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Washington, DC -- Today, Congressman John Sarbanes voted for, and the House of Representatives passed, the final version the 2008 Farm Bill (H.R. 2419). Congressman Sarbanes has worked within the Maryland Congressional delegation, to fight to increase Bay cleanup funding in the 2008 Farm Bill by more than $440 million.
The 2008 Farm Bill passed with bipartisan support by a veto-proof vote of 318 to 106. In addition to more traditional aspects of farm policy such as income and commodity price support, the Farm Bill also sets agricultural conservation policies and priorities.
“The Chesapeake Bay is a national environmental treasure and an economic catalyst as it pertains to Maryland’s tourism and seafood industries. It is my hope that this new commitment of federal resources will help us turn the tide in Bay cleanup efforts,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “Sixteen million people live in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It is imperative that we succeed in our efforts to preserve the Bay so that generations to come are able to enjoy its environmental, economic, cultural, and recreational benefits.”
Agricultural runoff is the largest source of pollution. The Bay and its tributaries have been inundated with excess sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution as a result of runoff. These conditions create “dead zones” or large areas where plants and wildlife die due to lack of oxygen.
The Farm Bill reauthorization, which will expand conservation programs and help farmers reduce runoff on their lands, represents a new level of commitment to Bay cleanup.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation breakdown is below:
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program $188,000,000
Allocations from national working lands programs
Environmental Quality Incentives Program $126,100,000
Conservation Stewardship Program $44,000,000
Agricultural Management Assistance $12,000,000
Allocations from national easement programs
Farmland Protection Program $54,000,000
Conservation Reserve Program -$12,500,000
Wetlands Reserve Program $9,200,000
Grasslands Reserve Program $18,450,000
Healthy Forests Reserve Program $1,000,000
Total $440,250,000
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