The power of the Coalition lies in the work of our more than 320 member organizations.
(BALTIMORE, MD)—The Chesapeake Executive Council met today to discuss the current state of the effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. The meeting, attended by Maryland's Governor Wes Moore, Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro, Virginia's Governor Glenn Youngkin, Delaware’s Governor Matthew Meyer, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chesapeake Bay Commission Chair Sara Love, and EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi, comes at a critical juncture in the Bay restoration effort.
(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Yesterday, the Choose Clean Water Coalition submitted formal feedback to the draft revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Ultimately, 91 organizations endorsed the Coalition's feedback letter. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Director Kristin Reilly issued the following statement.
(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Today, the U.S. House of Representative’s Appropriations Committee released their House FY26 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill. The legislation contains funding updates on programs critical to the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Director Kristin Reilly issued the following statement.
(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) and Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) introduced the Mitigation Action and Watermen Support (MAWS) Act. This legislation establishes a two-year pilot program within the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office to help facilitate new markets for blue catfish. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Director Kristin Reilly issued the following statement.
(HARRISONBURG, VA)—Today, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) passed away after a battle with cancer. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Director Kristin Reilly issued the following statement.
(HARRISONBURG, VA)—At a turbulent time in the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort, more than 280 individuals from local, state, and national nonprofits, elected officials, government agencies, and businesses are gathering for the 2025 Choose Clean Water Conference.
(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Today, the President released his discretionary budget request, which proposes severe reductions of programs critical to realizing clean water. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Director Kristin Reilly issued the following statement.
The last year has seen lots of progress in water quality, conservation, and protection in the New York state portion of the Chesapeake Watershed. The NY Choose Clean Water Coalition Members have been hard at work educating, engaging the community and making progress toward cleaner water. Here are some highlights from last year.
West Virginia members of the Choose Clean Water Coalition gathered on November 18, 2025 in Shepherdstown, WV to discuss a recap of the collaboration and hard work they have accomplished over the past year. There were 25 members in attendance throughout the day, representing 18 different member organizations.
For this Member Highlight, the Coalition's Maryland State Lead, Marisa Olszewski had a discussion with Annie Richards, Chester Riverkeeper at ShoreRivers. The two had a conversation about Annie’s role as a Riverkeeper and the important water monitoring programs ShoreRivers provides.
Sitting back and reflecting on the work of the past year is not an easy task, and one that I’ve been avoiding for weeks. Beginning this year with the executive orders proclaiming America’s Energy Dominance does not exactly match the tone or tenor of the way I prefer to conduct business leading the Choose Clean Water Coalition’s Energy workgroup.
The weather may be cooling down, but things are the Coalition are heating up. We’ve had a packed calendar this fall. In October, we went on a water quality testing trip with Arundel Rivers Federation on the South River. Choose Clean Water staff used secchi disks and took water samples to determine visibility and algae levels in the South River.
Almost one decade ago, Choose Clean Water Coalition created the Young Professionals of the Chesapeake (YPC) Mentorship Program. YPC fills a unique need in our work for clean water. The program is among very few spaces, let alone mentorship opportunities within the Chesapeake Bay partnership, that builds support for diverse leaders within the Bay community.
Washington, D.C. is drowning in beverage container waste. From the banks of Oxon Run to neighborhoods across all eight wards, plastic bottles litter our public spaces and waterways. But a powerful grassroots movement is fighting back using strategy, determination, and collaboration.
Earlier this month, we had a very cloudy kick off to our 2025 Steering Committee Retreat in Washington, D.C. But we didn’t let the weather get to us—our Steering Committee, friends of the Coalition, and staff hopped on the boat ready to set sail on the Potomac River.
As Genesis’ time with the Coalition has come to an end, she tells us about her summer internship, what she’s learned, and even her final project! We’ll miss you, Genesis!
For this Member Highlight, the Coalition's former Virginia State Lead, Pat Calvert, interviews Bailey Pleasant, Watershed Coordinator at the Rivanna Conservation Alliance. Their edited conversation follows.
(WASHINGTON, DC)—Last night, Congress passed a minibus appropriations package on a strong bipartisan basis. The package now heads to President Trump's desk. The legislation contains funding for programs critical to the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Director Kristin Reilly issued the following statement.