Washington- Today Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16) voted for legislation that will help efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. H.R. 1053, the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act, will institute performance based measures to ensure that restoration efforts are producing results. H.R. 1771, the Chesapeake Bay Science, Education, and Ecosystem Enhancement Act, authorizes $79 million for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Chesapeake Bay Office.

H.R. 1053 calls for a comprehensive accounting of all Bay restoration activities that would be provided to both Congress and the public. Also, the bill will provide a new means to evaluate the success and efficiency of Bay restoration programs.

The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office coordinates federal, state, and local efforts to clean up the Bay. The office provides grants to local governments and non-profit organizations that conduct restoration programs.

Rep. Pitts statement follows:

“The bills passed by the House today will help in the continuing effort to clean up the Chesapeake and ensure that future generations can enjoy the Bay for its beauty and rich natural resources.

“The Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act will implement accounting procedures to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being managed wisely. This act will cut down on duplicative recovery projects and increase coordination so that we maximize the efforts by local, state, and national government.

“The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office is doing good work to study the environmental problems of the Bay and assist communities in restoration efforts. Today’s bill will provide new resources to restore the Bay to good health.”

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