Skip Gibson memo to Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. and S. L. K., April 16, 2001

Memo To: RLE, SLK From: Skip Gibson Subject: EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Date: April 16, 2001 Back Ground: Since 1983, The EPA has been the lead federal agency in the Chesapeake Bay Program, coordinating watershed-wide research, protection, and restoration efforts involving a wide range of local and regional stakeholders in the Bay’s 64,000 square-mile watershed. Under the guidance of the Bay Program, bay grasses have increased and nutrient pollution has declined, 476 miles of forested stream side buffers have been restored, and toxic pollution has been reduced by 67%. FY 2001 funding enabled the program to implement the new Chesapeake 2000 Agreement. This agreement sets out goals and commitments for the program to achieve over the next ten years. Through this agreement, Bay Program partners address an array of restoration and water quality issues, from achieving a tenfold increase in oysters by 2010, to eliminating adverse impacts to the Bay from nutrients and sediment. Great progress has been made, but much has yet to be accomplished to restore the Bay to a healthy and self-sustaining ecosystem. FY2001 appropriations provided the full $19.7 million request. Under the Bush FY2002 budget EPA Chesapeake Bay Program takes a 10% cut. ($1.25 million earmark and additional $623,000 to pay for COLA for intermediate staff.) NOTE: ALL EPA EARMARKS WERE CUT in FY2002! ! Rep. Bateman championed a $30 million 5 year authorization of the program which was also enacted and signed into law. Bob’s Role: Last year, RLE played a fundamental role in helping line up 23 co-sponsors for the letter requesting a full appropriation for the EPA Program. Leadership listened, and the program was fully funded at $19.7 million. This Year: Senate D’s (Mikulski & Sarbanes) are attacking RLE through Maryland’s liberal press. This round began shortly after area media reported RLE as “the Third Senator.” First clear salvo: 4th Circuit decision cut out RLE. This round: Bush budget hurts MD, EPA Bay program Public Housing police, etc. and implicates RLE as part of Bush program which hurts Maryland. RLE is gearing up to champion a 4% increase (full FY2001 funding + 4%) in the EPA Chesapeake Bay Project with colleague Rep. Gilchrest through letter to appropriators.