Policy Update- June 2009

The ongoing deterioration of the Chesapeake Bay prompted two important conservation actions in the last month. In May 12, 2009, President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order directing federal agencies to address coordination, funding, regulation, agency management practices, science, public access and climate change impacts on Chesapeake Bay. The full Executive Order can be found at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Executive-Order-Chesapeake-Bay-Protection-and-Restoration/

On May 20, a new coalition made up of over 60 Bay watershed groups - the Choose Clean Water Coalition -- emerged to emphasize and renew our ongoing commitment to Bay recovery. Audubon Maryland/DC is now working to advance the work of this coalition, including ensuring that good climate change legislation passes, with appropriate funding being directed to restoration of critical Chesapeake Bay habitats of conservation concern to Audubon Maryland/DC, including salt marshes, coasts and forests. More information about the coalition can be found online at: www.choosecleanwater.org

The success of these efforts may be ensured by two important appointments or nominations made by President Obama. J. Charles Fox, former Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources has been appointed as the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Senior Advisor on the Chesapeake Bay and Anacostia River. http://www.chesapeakebay.net/press_fox.aspx?menuitem=34748

And, President Obama has nominated National Audubon Society's Chief Operating Officer and former Maryland Secretary of the Environment, to become Deputy Administrator of the EPA. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts-5/19/09

The alignment of these actions can translate to improvements in Chesapeake Bay, but only citizen action will ensure success in the political arena. The Choose Clean Water coalition is our opportunity to engage. We are asking our chapters, members and supporters to track this important effort, and become part of it. Go to the web site, get educated and become involved. We'll be reporting to you from time to time in this newsletter on other important Chesapeake Bay developments.


Jacqui Bonomo
Executive Director Audubon Maryland-DC