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HR 7788

Maryland Whole Watershed Program Federal Partnership Act

119th Congress Introduced by April McClain Delaney and 4 co-sponsors

Authorizes Chesapeake Bay Program Office to join state watershed programs, expanding federal coordination on water quality management beyond its historic jurisdiction.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
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Bill Summary · HR 7788

Legislative bill overview

HR 7788 authorizes the Chesapeake Bay Program Office to participate as a member of state-level watershed programs beyond its traditional Chesapeake Bay jurisdiction. The bill expands the federal office's mandate to collaborate with broader regional water quality and conservation initiatives, enabling it to share expertise and coordinate efforts across multiple watershed systems.

Why is this important

Water quality management requires coordinated action across multiple jurisdictions and ecosystems. This bill potentially increases federal-state coordination on environmental protection and allows successful Chesapeake Bay Program strategies to influence management of other critical watersheds, affecting water quality, fisheries, and public health across multiple states.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope creep concerns: Critics may argue that expanding the Chesapeake Bay Program's mandate dilutes its focus on that specific, historically underfunded restoration effort, which still faces significant challenges
  • Federal authority questions: Some may question whether federal agencies should have formal voting membership in state-level programs versus advisory roles, raising federalism concerns
  • Resource allocation: Unclear whether this expansion requires additional funding or draws resources from existing Chesapeake Bay restoration work, which could disadvantage the primary mission

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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