2004 Bay Policy Developments

CBF Files Legal Petition to Force EPA Action
CBF Press Release - 11.10.04
Letter to CBF from EPA - 07.16.04

EPA Proposes Permitting Approach
EPA Permitting Approach - 07.16.04
Hanlon Memo - 03.03.04

State and Federal Funding Initatives
Background Information on Maryland's Proposed Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Fund

Maryland - The Maryland legislature passed the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Fund, which will raise around $80 million annually for Bay restoration activities. The so-called "flush tax" was proposed by Governor Ehrlich as a fee on all sewer users to create a fund to upgrade Maryland's 66 largest municipal sewage treatment facilities with nitrogen reduction retrofits. The legislature expanded the $30 annual user fee (for residential users) to include septic users, and the fund will now also be used for septic upgrades and some nutrient reduction efforts on farms. Click here for more information.

Pennsylvania - On April 27, Pennsylvanians voted overwhelmingly (63%-37%) for a water/sewer bond referendum. The $250 million bond will be for "...grants and loans for construction, expansion or improvement of water and wastewater infrastructure...". Clearly, some of this money can be used for nitrogen reduction upgrades at existing facilities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Some environmental groups have raised concerns about too much of the money going toward new construction that will promote sprawl. Governor Rendell also announced the recent introduction of legislation authorizing a Growing Greener II Bond issue for $800 million..

Virginia - The new Virginia two-year budget approved by the legislature, includes $35 million in new money for environmental protection. Though the money is to be used statewide and not specific to the Bay watershed -- $30 million will be for nutrient reduction efforts and $5 million for land conservation. The Virginia legislature also considered two bills meant to raise funds for upgrading municipal sewage treatment facilities. Delegate Albert Pollard based his bill on Governor Ehrlich's original proposal in Maryland, and sought to charge $24 annually on sewer users and $12 from residences on septics. The House of Delegates put off consideration of the bill until 2005.

Task Force - The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force letter to the House Appropriations Committee requests $84.2 million for Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration and protection programs in FY 05.