Maryland Whole Watershed Program Federal Partnership Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7788
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-03T08:06:07Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 7788: Maryland Whole Watershed Program Federal Partnership Act
Purpose
This bill aims to strengthen federal involvement in state-led watershed management efforts by authorizing the Chesapeake Bay Program Office—a federal entity focused on restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay—to participate as an advisory member in specific state programs. The goal is to improve coordination and support for environmental projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which spans multiple states including Maryland.
Key Provisions
- Advisory Role: The Chesapeake Bay Program Office must serve as an advisory member on the State Management Team for the Maryland Whole Watershed Program and any similar state programs.
- Authorized Activities: The office can:
- Coordinate efforts with state and local governments, as well as other federal agencies.
- Provide technical assistance (expert guidance on environmental practices) and financial resources to support projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
- Definition: The "Chesapeake Bay Program Office" refers to the office established under section 117(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), which is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This legislation expands the role of the existing Chesapeake Bay Program Office beyond its current federal coordination duties. Previously, the office focused on interstate partnerships under the Clean Water Act, but this bill explicitly adds an advisory membership and support role in state-specific watershed programs like Maryland's, without altering the core structure of the Clean Water Act.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Enhances collaboration between federal (e.g., EPA), state, and local agencies, potentially streamlining environmental restoration efforts and reducing duplication in watershed management.
- Citizens: Residents in the Chesapeake Bay region, particularly in Maryland, may benefit from improved water quality, habitat protection, and community projects funded or advised by federal resources, leading to healthier ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the Chesapeake Bay's health could indirectly support U.S. environmental commitments in shared waterways with Canada (via the Great Lakes and broader North American agreements).
- Overall, it could accelerate progress on pollution reduction and conservation in a vital U.S. waterway affecting over 18 million people.
Main Stakeholders
- Federal Government: Primarily the EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program Office, which gains new advisory and support authorities.
- State and Local Governments: Maryland's state agencies managing the Whole Watershed Program, plus similar programs in other states; local governments in the watershed for project implementation.
- Environmental and Community Groups: Organizations focused on bay restoration, fisheries, and agriculture, who may access federal technical and financial aid.
- Citizens and Businesses: Farmers, fishers, and waterfront communities in the eight-state Chesapeake Bay region (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and parts of the District of Columbia), who rely on the watershed for livelihoods and quality of life.
Notable Implications
- Legal: Builds on the Clean Water Act without requiring new regulations, promoting voluntary federal-state partnerships that could set a model for other regional environmental initiatives.
- Constitutional: Aligns with federal authority over interstate waters under the Commerce Clause, avoiding conflicts with state sovereignty by limiting the role to advisory and supportive functions.
- Political: Encourages bipartisan environmental cooperation, as introduced by representatives from Maryland, and could influence future funding for watershed programs amid ongoing debates over federal environmental spending.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 2026-03-04: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2026-03-04: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-04: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Maryland Whole Watershed Program Federal Partnership Act — issued 2026-03-04 — PDF (2 pages)