(The Center Square) – Legislation introduced by Virginia and Maryland lawmakers aims to direct federal resources toward over 80,000 farms in the Chesapeake watershed to aid conservation efforts.
The Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act seeks to improve water quality, enhance soil health and strengthen the agricultural workforce by expanding conservation programs. The proposal would expand support for farmers using voluntary conservation techniques to reduce runoff in the Bay.
According to the bill, farmers would have access to grants, technical support and financial assistance. The legislation adds new federal money to existing conservation programs that help farmers reduce pollution and protect water quality.
The bill funds programs to train and hire more agricultural conservation specialists who will work directly with farmers and remove regulatory hurdles to make it easier for commercial fishers to harvest blue catfish, which are currently overpopulating the bay and harming native species.
Agricultural runoff, which contains nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, is a major factor in water pollution and fuels harmful algal blooms that damage marine ecosystems and local fisheries.
In addition to agriculture, urban development and stormwater runoff pollution have long threatened the Bay’s health. Despite decades of restoration efforts, pollution has remained a challenge.
While some improvements, such as the resurgence of blue crabs and oyster reefs, have been noted, scientists warn that the Bay isn’t on track to meet its 2025 pollution reduction targets.
“Protecting the health of the Chesapeake Bay will require partnership with the agricultural communities,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va. “This bill expands proven programs actively reducing runoff pollution and improving water quality by providing farmers the resources they need to take action. I look forward to working with my colleagues in supporting our farmers and restoring the Chesapeake Bay.”
With federal support, lawmakers hope to help farmers implement practices such as cover cropping and planting trees along waterways to reduce pollution, known as ‘riparian buffer’ and no-till farming.
The bill guarantees that the minimum incentive for updated conservation contracts will be at least 40% of the actual costs, meaning farmers will receive at least 40% of the costs covered, and raises the maximum contract incentive payment from $50,000 to $100,000. This means farmers can receive up to $100,000 in conservation funding for qualifying projects.
The bill allocates $60 million per year for conservation funding from 2026 to 2031, with a total allocation over six years of $360 million.
“Having deep roots in this area, I understand the vital role agriculture plays in the Commonwealth’s economy and the strong commitment our farmers have to protecting and preserving the Bay. This legislation will ensure that critical resources are directed toward on-the-ground conservation efforts that support farmers and restore the Bay,” said Rob Wittman, R-Va., a former marine scientist.
Wittman said he was proud to lead and promote “responsible land and water stewardship and to advocate for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Chesapeake Bay for future generations.”
A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Mark Warner, D-Va., Tim Kaine, D-Va., Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md. and John Fetterman, D-Pa.
