HR64: Commending the Chesapeake Bay Commission.
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 64
WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay Commission is a tri-state government entity of the legislative branches of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, required by current statute to assist, advise, provide recommendation to, and “enhance the functions, powers, and duties” of each state’s General Assembly regarding Chesapeake Bay law and policy; and
WHEREAS, Chesapeake Bay Commission member state delegations are comprised of seven members, with two members representing each senate, three members representing each house, one member representing each governor, and one member a citizen-at-large; and
WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay Commission is a bipartisan, objective entity tasked with identifying concerns requiring inter-jurisdictional coordination and cooperation; collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information pertaining to the region and its resources for the respective legislative bodies; recommending legislative and administrative actions necessary to encourage effective and cooperative management of the Chesapeake Bay; and representing the common interests of the member states as they are affected by the activities of the federal government; and
WHEREAS, the chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Commission is a member of the Chesapeake Executive Council and signatory of the Chesapeake Bay agreements, representing the legislative branches of the member states; and
WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay Commission serves as the official legislative arm of the multi-jurisdictional Chesapeake Bay Program and is the designated regional liaison to the United States Congress for Chesapeake Bay law and policy; and
WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay Commission first convened on December 17, 1980, and in four decades since has championed important legislative and policy initiatives at the state and federal level, including bi-state blue crab management, nutrient management, agricultural conservation funding, and open space preservation, among other issues and initiatives; and
WHEREAS, these initiatives have contributed to noticeable signs of improvement in the Chesapeake Bay, despite a doubling of the human population in the watershed over the same time period; and
WHEREAS, the role of the Chesapeake Bay Commission is even more necessary today as its member states face a 2025 deadline to achieve nutrient and sediment reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a model of effective inter-state and inter-governmental relations and policymaking, hereby be commended on the occasion of its 40th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Chesapeake Bay Commission as an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration for its efforts to manage and protect the Chesapeake Bay for the future benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth.