Baltimore, MD – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro was unanimously elected by a bipartisan group of governors, elected leaders, and federal officials to serve as Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council during its annual meeting at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. This marks the first time in 20 years that Pennsylvania will lead the multi-state collaboration responsible for restoring the Chesapeake Bay and improving the health of local waterways across the watershed.
The Executive Council includes the governors of the watershed states — Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia — the Mayor of Washington D.C., the EPA Administrator, and the Chesapeake Bay Commission Chair. The Council serves as the primary policy and leadership body for restoring the Chesapeake Bay and members represent the nine signatories to the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.
During today’s meeting, Governor Shapiro was nominated to lead the Executive Council by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and seconded by Maryland Governor Wes Moore, whom he succeeded, followed by a unanimous vote of council members present. Governor Shapiro will serve a one-year term, concluding at the Council’s next meeting in 2026. Joining the Governor at the meeting were Pennsylvania’s Cabinet Secretaries leading key environmental and agricultural efforts: Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley, Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. Members also approved a revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and discussed the continuing work to reduce pollution and improve local water quality, habitat, outdoor recreation, and public engagement in the Bay watershed.
“I’m honored to serve as the next chair of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council and I’m looking forward to continuing our collaborative work to improve the Bay,” said Governor Shapiro. “Pennsylvania is doing its part — and making real progress. My Administration has accelerated our work to clean up local streams and reduce pollution flowing to the Bay all while supporting our farmers, growing our economy, and strengthening communities across the Commonwealth. I look forward to continuing this work to get results that matter for Pennsylvanians and everyone who relies on the Chesapeake Bay.”
Executive Council Advances Updates to Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Strategy
The Executive Council approved several major updates that will guide the next phase of the Chesapeake Bay cleanup effort:
Revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement – The Council adopted updates to the 2014 Agreement, establishing new goals through 2040 focused on creating a thriving habitat, fisheries, and wildlife; ensuring access to clean water; protecting healthy landscapes; and strengthening community engagement.
Modernized governance and accountability structure – The Council approved changes to strengthen decision-making, coordination, and leadership within the collaboration, including creation of a new Policy Steering Committee and improved federal agency alignment.
New Indigenous Charge – The Council directed staff to work with federally recognized tribal nations to recommend formal pathways for tribal participation and collaboration by July 1, 2026.
Pennsylvania’s Progress to Improve the Chesapeake Bay
Last year, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science reported that the Chesapeake Bay is in its healthiest condition in more than 20 years. The Upper Bay — fed largely by Pennsylvania rivers — scored among the highest in the watershed, reflecting Pennsylvania’s sustained progress. Overall, the Bay has shown a long-term trend of improvement thanks to the collective efforts of Pennsylvania and other states, according to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card annual assessment.
Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania has made significant, measurable progress in restoring waterways and protecting the Chesapeake Bay:
Investments: Over $1 billion invested across state, local, agricultural, and nonprofit collaborations in the last four years.
Nitrogen reductions: Over the past five years, Pennsylvania has reduced nitrogen pollution flowing to the Bay ten times more than in the previous decade.
Stream restoration: 139 miles of streams restored in the last six years — more than the distance from Harrisburg to Annapolis.
Forest buffers: Nearly 945 miles of streamside forest buffers planted in the past two years, adding 1.5 million new trees. In 2024 alone, the Shapiro Administration invested $10.5 million in tree planting and lawn-to-habitat conversions.
Farmer support: More than 2,000 farmers have accessed financial and technical assistance through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), adopting conservation practices like no-till farming, streambank fencing, and wetland restoration.
Water quality improvements: Monitoring of the Susquehanna River shows long-term reductions in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. Local streams, including Turtle Creek in Union County, have been removed from the impaired waters list.
“Pennsylvania’s success in cleaning up our local waters and improving the Chesapeake Bay is the result of the strong alliances we’ve built,” said Secretary Shirley. “Our achievements reflect the collaboration of farmers, businesses, federal, county, and local governments, and dedicated non-profit organizations. The investments Pennsylvania has made will continue to benefit communities across the Chesapeake Bay watershed for years to come.”
“Pennsylvania’s investments in conservation initiatives are changing the landscape of rural Pennsylvania and boosting the environmental health of the entire region,” said Secretary Redding. “The health of the Chesapeake Bay is undeniably improving at the mouth of the Susquehanna. With continued investment in the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, the State Conservation Commission, and the creation of the historic Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, we are investing even more as a state to help multiply the progress our farmers are making to help protect the Bay.”
“Healthy forests and clean water go hand in hand, and Pennsylvania is demonstrating what real, sustained investment in conservation can achieve,” said Secretary Dunn. “By restoring forested buffers along streams and planting in communities, protecting key lands, reconnecting fish habitat, and expanding public access, we are strengthening local communities while contributing to the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay. DCNR is proud to support Governor Shapiro’s leadership and commitment in delivering clean water for every Pennsylvanian.”
Governor Shapiro continues to prioritize clean air, pure water, and environmental protection, ensuring that Pennsylvania plays a leading role in restoring the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come.
# # #