Sponsors (5)
The bill directs federal technical assistance, coordination, and funding to accelerate Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration and improve water quality, trading off higher federal spending, increased federal influence in state programs, and the risk of uneven allocation of assistance.
Residents and communities across the Chesapeake Bay watershed will likely see improved water quality and ecosystem outcomes because projects supported under the bill receive federal technical assistance that increases chances of successful implementation.
State and local governments and regional utilities gain eligibility for federal financial resources to fund watershed restoration and resilience projects, reducing local cost burdens and enabling more or larger projects.
State and local governments gain coordinated federal advisory support (through an EPA advisory role), improving planning, reducing duplication across partners, and speeding project delivery for watershed work.
Taxpayers may face higher federal spending because the bill makes more watershed projects eligible for federal financial resources, which could increase federal outlays if not offset.
State governments may experience increased federal influence over state-managed watershed programs because the EPA is given an advisory role on State program teams.
Some localities—particularly smaller or less-resourced rural or urban communities—could receive less assistance if financial support or prioritization favors certain projects or jurisdictions, producing uneven funding and outcomes.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Designates the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office as an advisory member on Maryland’s Whole Watershed Program State Management Team and authorizes it to coordinate, provide technical assistance, and offer financial resources for Chesapeake Bay watershed projects.
Introduced March 4, 2026 by Sarah Elfreth · Last progress March 4, 2026
Adds the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office as an advisory member of the State Management Team for Maryland’s Whole Watershed Program and for substantially similar state programs. It lets that Office coordinate with state, local, and federal partners and provide technical assistance and financial resources for projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, while relying on the existing statutory EPA office.