Chesapeake Bay Commission facts for kids
The Chesapeake Bay Commission is a special group that gives advice to the states of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. They help these states make decisions about the Chesapeake Bay. Their main goal is to protect the Bay's environment, help its economy, and support the people who live around it.
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What is the Chesapeake Bay Commission?
The Chesapeake Bay Commission is like a team of experts. They work together to make sure the Chesapeake Bay stays healthy. They give ideas and advice to the lawmakers in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. This helps these states create good rules and plans for the Bay.
Helping the Chesapeake Bay
The Commission focuses on many important things for the Bay. They look at how to keep the water clean and protect the animals and plants that live there. They also think about how the Bay affects jobs and businesses, like fishing. Plus, they consider how the Bay impacts the communities and people living nearby.
Who is Part of the Commission?
The Chesapeake Bay Commission started in 1980. At first, only Maryland and Virginia were part of it. A few years later, in 1985, Pennsylvania joined the group. This means all three states that share the Bay's watershed work together through the Commission.
Important Agreements
The Commission played a big part in signing the Chesapeake Bay Agreement of 1983. This was a very important document for the Bay's future. Besides the Commission, the governors of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania also signed it. The Mayor of Washington, D.C. and the head of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also signed this agreement. It showed that many different leaders wanted to work together to protect the Bay.
Who Leads the Commission?
Leaders of the Commission change over time. As of 2019, a State Senator from Virginia named Frank Wagner was the chairman. The chairman helps guide the Commission's work and meetings.
