Chesapeake Bay Restoration (E.O. 13508)

Summary

Orders federal agencies to work together with states to clean up pollution and protect the Chesapeake Bay's water, wildlife, and habitats.

What problem does this solve?

Pollution from sources like farms, cities, and sewage plants has harmed the Chesapeake Bay, making its water unsafe and unhealthy for fish and people. This order creates a unified federal plan to lead the cleanup effort, control pollution, and restore the Bay's health.

What does this order do?

Establishes a Federal Leadership Committee

Creates a committee, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to oversee and coordinate all federal programs aimed at restoring the Chesapeake Bay.

Requires a coordinated restoration strategy

Directs the new committee to develop and publish a single, coordinated strategy to guide all federal efforts to protect and restore the Bay.

Mandates reports on key challenges

Requires federal agencies to prepare reports that recommend new tools, regulations, and policies to improve water quality and protect the Bay's ecosystem.

Reduces pollution from federal lands

Orders federal agencies that manage land in the Bay's watershed to use practices that reduce water pollution coming from their properties and facilities.

Addresses climate change impacts

Directs agencies to study how climate change, such as sea-level rise and stronger storms, will affect the Bay and to develop a plan to adapt to these changes.

Requires annual action plans and progress reports

Starting in 2010, the committee must publish a yearly plan on how federal money will be used for the Bay and a report card on the progress made.

Expands public access to the Bay

Requires federal agencies to identify new opportunities for the public to access the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers through federal lands.

Strengthens accountability with independent evaluation

Ensures that an independent evaluator will periodically report on the progress toward meeting the goals of the order, with all reports made available to the public.

Who does this affect?

Federal agencies with land in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
State and local governments in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, and Delaware
Farmers, developers, and residents within the Chesapeake Bay watershed

What is the real world impact?

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Creates a unified federal effort

Establishes a single, powerful committee to lead and coordinate the actions of many different federal agencies. This ensures everyone is working together toward the same goal instead of on separate, less effective projects.

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Increases accountability for cleanup

Requires public reports on progress and an independent evaluation of the restoration efforts. This makes it easier for the public to see if the government is meeting its goals to clean up the Bay.

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Asserts federal authority over a regional issue

Positions the federal government to take the lead on a problem that crosses multiple state lines. Some may see this as necessary leadership, while others might view it as federal overreach into state and local environmental management.

When does this start?

This order became effective on May 12, 2009, and sets several deadlines for federal agencies to complete reports and create a restoration plan.

Draft agency reports due

Within 120 days of the order (by September 9, 2009), federal agencies must submit draft reports with recommendations for restoring the Bay.

Final agency reports and draft strategy due

Within 180 days of the order (by November 8, 2009), agencies must submit final reports and the Leadership Committee must publish a draft restoration strategy for public comment.

Final restoration strategy published

Within one year of the order (by May 12, 2010), the Leadership Committee must publish the final, coordinated strategy for restoring the Chesapeake Bay.

Federal land management guidance published

Within one year of the order (by May 12, 2010), the EPA must publish guidance for federal agencies on how to manage their land to reduce pollution.

Annual action plans begin

Beginning in 2010, the Leadership Committee must publish an annual action plan and progress report for the Bay.