Van Hollen Secures Commitment from EPA Administrator Zeldin to Continue Funding Chesapeake Bay Program

Yesterday, in a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) questioned U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin on funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program. Administrator Zeldin noted the program’s success and committed to its continued funding for the next fiscal year. Video of the exchange is available here and a transcript follows:

SENATOR CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (D-Md.): Thank you, Senator and welcome, Administrator Zeldin. I noticed that, as a member of Congress during the first Trump Administration, you opposed their recommended cuts to EPA’s Long Island Sound program. Similarly, during the first Trump Administration, those of us who represent Chesapeake Bay states successfully opposed – on a bipartisan basis – their proposed cuts to the Chesapeake Bay Program. I’m glad to see that the spend plan that was submitted by EPA for Fiscal Year 25 shows that you plan to continue to invest in the Chesapeake Bay cleanup program at the appropriated and authorized levels of $92 million. I just want to confirm with you today – yes or no – that’s right, isn’t it?

EPA ADMINISTRATOR LEE ZELDIN: Yes, everything in the skinny budget that is before us – the answer is, is yes, when repeating what y’all are reading.

VAN HOLLEN: Well, this is, this is with respect to the spend plan, which is separate from the skinny budget. I do also –

ZELDIN: Senator, and by the way, and I’ll answer maybe your next question. The Chesapeake Bay Program, which I know you're fighting hard for – as we heard Senator Baldwin referencing the Great Lakes Restoration program – the Chesapeake Bay Program is an amazing program. Our team takes great pride in running it. It’s filled with a lot of success stories that span multiple states, including yours, and we will make sure that you also have a smile on your face – as Senator Baldwin will have on hers – when the full budget is released and you see the numbers for Chesapeake Bay.

VAN HOLLEN: I appreciate that very much. You anticipated my next question regarding Fiscal Year 26, so thank you.

The Chesapeake Bay Program is central to restoration efforts of the Bay in Maryland and the surrounding states. Senator Van Hollen successfully fought to reauthorize funding for the program at $92 million per Fiscal Year through FY2030 through the passage of the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act and, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, has fought to provide funding for this program every year.