March 4, 2026
Ms. Alsobrooks (for herself and Mr. Van Hollen) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works
To authorize the Chesapeake Bay Program Office to serve as an advisory member of certain State watershed programs, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Maryland Whole Watershed Program Federal Partnership Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. Chesapeake Bay Program Office authority
(a) Chesapeake Bay Program Office defined
In this section, the term Chesapeake Bay Program Office
means the office established and maintained pursuant to section 117(b)(2) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1267(b)(2)).
(b) Program Office authority
The Chesapeake Bay Program Office shall serve as an advisory member of the State Management Team for the Maryland Whole Watershed Program and any other substantially similar program in a State.
(c) Authorized activities
In carrying out subsection (b), the Chesapeake Bay Program Office may—
(1)
coordinate with State and local governments and Federal agencies; and
(2)
provide technical assistance and financial resources for projects carried out in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.