Van Hollen Statement on Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s State of the Blueprint Report

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the release of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s 2020 State of the Blueprint Report, showing that Maryland is on track to meet its goals for reducing pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, but that Pennsylvania continues to lag behind. Senator Van Hollen has repeatedly pressed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on enforcing these pollution reduction goals for all Bay States, including in a hearing and via a letter to EPA Administrator Wheeler with many members of the Bay State delegation. He has also supported the decision by Maryland, Virginia, D.C. and environmental groups to bring a lawsuit against the EPA for failing to enforce these standards. 

“A clean Chesapeake Bay is key to the health of our environment and the success of Maryland’s Bay economy. The Chesapeake Bay Blueprint lays out a plan to ensure that Bay States and the EPA are working together to reduce pollution and meet our shared goal of a clean and healthy Bay by 2025. Unfortunately, today’s report confirms that while Maryland is on track to meet its pollution reduction goals – Pennsylvania remains far behind. I have repeatedly pressed the Trump Administration on their lack of enforcement of the Blueprint. The impact of this neglect is all too clear, especially as we continue to witness the worsening effects of climate change on the Bay. That’s why I will continue working to hold the EPA accountable and why I’ve supported our state’s efforts to sue for action. It’s past time for the EPA to do its job and protect this vital treasure for years to come.”