Angela Alsobrooks Questions Trump EPA Nominees on Chesapeake Bay Funding and Conservation

Commitment to Chesapeake Bay Program Funding

• 💡 Senator Alsobrooks emphasized the critical importance of the Chesapeake Bay for drinking water, wildlife habitat, tourism, and the seafood industry in Maryland.
• 🎯 She highlighted that Congress recently passed funding levels of $92 million for the EPA Chesapeake Bay program, including specific allocations for watershed grants, nutrient reduction programs, and targeting pollution.
• ✅ Both nominees, Ms. Kramer and Mr. Donahghue, committed to ensuring these funds are delivered on the ground in Maryland without delay.

Support for Chesapeake Wild Program

• 🌳 Mr. Nesvik was questioned about the Chesapeake Wild program, which has received bipartisan support and significant investment, leading to habitat restoration and tree planting.
• 💰 Alsobrooks sought assurance that the program would receive its full $8 million allocation and that grants would be disbursed expeditiously.
• 🤝 Mr. Nesvik expressed familiarity with the Bay's importance and a commitment to executing Congressional directives and appropriations, supporting the $8 million for the program.

Addressing Funding Delays for Conservation Projects

• 🏞️ Senator Alsobrooks raised concerns about delays in the latest round of Chesapeake Wild Grants, specifically citing a frozen $500,000 grant to the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy.
• ⚠️ This funding freeze impacts a project to protect 500 acres of marsh habitat and could increase project costs and reduce efficiencies.
• 🤝 Mr. Nesvik committed to working with Senator Alsobrooks to ensure the Fish and Wildlife Service and partner agencies quickly release these funds for the restoration work to continue.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding

• 💧 Ms. Kramer was asked about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, which provided $124 million to Maryland for infrastructure upgrades in 2024.
• ⚖️ Alsobrooks sought confirmation that Kramer would continue to work with the committee to implement the law, rather than roll back funding as potentially suggested by the administration.
• ✅ Ms. Kramer committed to working with the committee to follow the law regarding the infrastructure funding.