January 2026 Enews

Happy New Year!

Our team at Waterkeepers Chesapeake wishes you a bright start to 2026! We’re grateful to continue working together for healthy waters and resilient communities. New Year, Shared purpose. ✨

Waterkeepers Denounce EPA’s Plan to Radically Weaken Water Protections

Waterkeepers Chesapeake, our 16 Waterkeepers and Chesapeake Legal Alliance submitted comments strongly condemning EPA’s plan to redefine waters that are protected under the Clean Water Act.

EPA’s plan to remove protections for most wetlands and seasonal streams will accelerate the destruction of wetlands, worsen water quality, and put the health of our communities — and the drinking water they depend on — at risk. All communities want certainty on clean water – certainty that their waters are clean and safe for clean drinking water, recreation, fisheries, and aquatic life. This rule does the opposite, and the EPA should withdraw it.

We also thank the over 275 people who sent comments through our action alert. The EPA deliberately chose a short comment period over the holidays to make it difficult for people like you to comment.

It’s Time to Advocate for Clean Water!

Yesterday, the General Assemblies in Maryland and Virginia opened and the environmental community was ready with several important bills to protect clean water and healthy environments. It’s early, so there will be additional bills, but here are some that we are working on and supporting along with our Waterkeepers. In both states, it’s a challenging budget year. We will focus on protecting environmental funding, which bolsters our waterways and communities in the face of ongoing pollution challenges and growing impacts from climate change. There will be several bills in both states that address stopping the spread of sewage sludge contaminated with PFAS on farmlands, phasing out PFAS in consumer products, and treating PFAS at industrial sources. There are other priorities such as the Maryland Bottle Bill and water intake and data center bills in Virginia. Check out the lobby day opportunities below and stay tuned on how you can support legislation. Follow your local Waterkeepers to help them advocate for clean water legislation.

Upcoming Events

Virginia Clean Water Lobby Day – Tues, January 27

Virginia Clean Water Lobby Day is your chance to lobby with fellow advocates in your district for the environmental action that matters most to you. We need advocates like you, now more than ever, to help advance policies that benefit clean water. Register by January 20.

Maryland CCE Summit – Wednesday, January 28

The Maryland Community Coalition for the Environment (CCE) is hosting the 2026 Maryland Environmental Legislative Summit! Come and learn about the 2026 Legislative priorities, learn from elected officials, and more!

Waterkeeper News!

The life of Theaux Le Gardeur, guardian of the Gunpowder River
Podcast from Waterloop: Laws as Last Defense for Chesapeake Bay featuring Chesapeake Legal Alliance, Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper Alice Volpitta, Assateague Coastkeeper Taylor Swanson, and Gunpowder Riverkeeper Theaux Le Gardeur
Article Uncharted Waters featuring Anacostia Riverkeeper Trey Sherard
Upper Potomac Riverkeeper Brent Walls was on The Weather Channel talking about PFAS.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service –
Monday, January 19th

Join some of our Waterkeepers this MLK Day as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through action. Together, our service will focus on caring for our shared spaces and bettering our environment for everyone to enjoy. Let’s turn remembrance into meaningful impact.

Anacostia Pope Branch Park – MLK Day of Service 2026

Ring in the New Year with Anacostia Riverkeeper at their annual MLK Day of Service Clean up! Rain or Shine. All supplies will be provided. Wear closed- toe shoes and clothing you can dirty that will protect you from the brush.

Sign waiver here: 2025 MLK Day of Service at Pope Branch Park

Potomac River Clean-up: Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, PRKN and FoDM will host a clean-up targeting both shoreline and cumulative trash. The clean-up will run along the entire Dyke Marsh boardwalk.

For these clean-ups, please bring the following:

Warm clothes and gloves, ideally an extra pair of shoes and socks
Waders or water-resistant pants

Support Us Through the CFC!

We’re thrilled to be participating in the 2025 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the official workplace giving campaign for federal employees and retirees. This fall, you’ll find us in the CFC charity list under code #31891.

We acknowledge the challenges facing so many right now. The cuts to federal agencies and the federal government shutdown have caused stress and financial hardship on countless individuals and families.

If you’re in a position to give, we would be honored to have your support. But more than anything, we’re grateful for your continued commitment to public service and to the communities we all care about.

Around the Watershed

Waterkeepers host events all year long — from paddling trips and river clean ups to webinars and rallies. We invite you to check out the calendar of events to sign up for something near you!

Hybank River Supply Company has created a series of limited-edition prints featuring locally known and loved landmarks throughout the Bay inspired by travel posters of the ’60s and ’70s. Proceeds from your purchase of these beautiful posters will support us! Shop today!

Waterkeepers Chesapeake fights for clean water and a healthy environment by supporting Waterkeepers throughout the Chesapeake and coastal regions as they protect their communities, rivers, and streams from pollution.

For info: www.WaterkeepersChesapeake.org or email info@waterkeeperschesapeake.org.

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