Van Hollen Statement on EPA Chesapeake Bay WIP Evaluations

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s release of their evaluation of the Chesapeake Bay States’ Phase III Watershed Implementation Plans: 

“Protecting and preserving the Chesapeake Bay requires that every state in the watershed do its part. That’s why, in 2010, the Bay Watershed states and the EPA agreed to the landmark Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint, with a commitment and timetable to restore clean water in the Bay and its tributaries. As part of this agreement, Pennsylvania is required to significantly reduce its nitrogen loads by 2025. But EPA’s analysis of Pennsylvania’s new plan confirms the unfortunate reality that they are falling far short of meeting their obligations under the Clean Water Blueprint, and they have not identified the resources that will be necessary to hit their nitrogen reduction targets. As our neighboring state, Pennsylvania must work with the EPA to ensure that their plan is fixed and funded. Otherwise, EPA must take action. I will continue to closely monitor what EPA does next – including the possible need for litigation –  to make sure everyone is doing their part to improve the health of the Bay and meet the 2025 goals.”

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