Chesapeake Bay Foundation criticizes EPA deregulatory actions

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has strongly criticized the EPA’s recent deregulatory actions, calling them a serious threat to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and a setback for environmental protections. These changes, they claim, including redefining which wetlands and waterways are covered under the Clean Water Act, could leave critical areas vulnerable to destruction. The EPA’s move is seen as undermining efforts to combat water pollution and climate change.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described the changes as the most significant deregulation in U.S. history, aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and addressing climate change. The rollback also comes amid cuts to the EPA budget and layoffs, which threaten essential environmental restoration projects.

Environmental advocates fear that the rollback could undo years of progress in cleaning up the Bay, particularly concerning nitrogen and phosphorus runoff.

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