New EPA Boss Supports Bay Program

 Fox 45, EPA chief: Chesapeake Bay Program funding 'is an important priority'

Lee Zelin, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the EPA, made his first visit to the Chesapeake Bay area as administrator of the agency. His visit comes as uncertainty surrounds the future of federal agencies and funding. “It's great to be able to be here to meet the team,” Zeldin said before the meeting with Chesapeake Bay Program members. Speaking with FOX45 News, Zeldin said he believes the program is important, “not just for a region, but really for the country.”

The Chesapeake Bay Program is a multi-state, collaborative approach to reduce Bay pollution and improve the health of the region: the program is guided by the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement that goals for restoring the Bay, tributaries, and land surrounding the region.

“There's a massive economic benefit for the region and also the importance of ensuring access to clean air, land and water,” Zeldin said.

During the first Trump Administration, funding for the program was cut in budget proposals. Through Congressional action, the funding was restored. As the second era of the Trump Administration continues to unfold, Zeldin was asked if the program would see funding cut by the administration.

“It’s important that we are making sure that Chesapeake Bay Program has the funding that needs to survive and thrive,” he said. “It's an important priority of mine.”

Compared to "heaving gold bars off the Titanic" ($20 billion stashed away in bank accounts as the former administration was leaving, to support brand new NGOs founded by the escapees), and Stacey Abram's $2 billion dollar project, nominally to provide new energy saving appliances for Georgians, the Bay Program is a paragon of value. Nevertheless, having DOGE go through the books might be a useful exercise.