An act to designate a set of recent and current parks and guarded lands all through the Chesapeake Bay as a part of the Nationwide Park System was unanimously voted out of the Senate Committee on Vitality and Pure Assets on Tuesday, November 19. The Chesapeake Nationwide Recreation Space Act (S.2610), launched in July 2023 by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), would set up the Chesapeake Nationwide Recreation Space in Maryland and Virginia.
“Due to Senator Van Hollen’s management, it is a nice day for the Chesapeake Bay, with one other step ahead within the four-decade effort to ascertain Nationwide Park Service recognition for the nation’s largest estuary. The Chesapeake Bay is as spectacular as Yellowstone or Yosemite, as nice because the Nice Smokies and as grand because the Grand Tetons. Establishing the Chesapeake Nationwide Recreation Space expands sources for environmental safety and makes it clear that america cherishes the Chesapeake, the birthplace of American id.” – Chesapeake Conservancy President & CEO Joel Dunn
If the act passes, it will enable the Division of the Inside to accumulate land throughout the recreation space boundaries by way of donation, buy from a keen vendor, alternate, or switch from one other federal company. A administration plan for the recreation space ready by the Division of the Inside and the Chesapeake Government Council could be required, and transportation planning would should be accomplished. Inside would additionally set up an advisory board for the realm.
Whereas it has left the Senate Committee on Vitality and Pure Assets, the act will nonetheless must cross by way of the Senate, the Home of Representatives, and to the President earlier than it will possibly develop into a legislation.
“The Chesapeake Bay is a nationwide treasure worthy of nationwide recognition. Its pure wonders, distinctive maritime tradition and hundreds of years of fascinating historical past deserve the extra sources, consideration, and entry a nationwide recreation space designation would deliver. The Chesapeake Bay Basis is happy to see the Senate Vitality and Pure Assets Committee acknowledge that by approving Sen. Van Hollen’s Chesapeake Nationwide Recreation Space Act. We thank the committee for transferring this necessary invoice ahead and urge congressional leaders to behave rapidly to finish work on it.” – Chesapeake Bay Basis Federal Coverage Coordinator Annabelle Harvey
