Tell EPA to Do Its Job – Protecting Clean Water
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to remove Clean Water Act protections from more waterways we depend on for clean drinking water.
EPA says they must revise the Clean Water Act’s definition of “waters of the United States” in order to lower the cost of doing business. Yet, eliminating clean water protections would be a disaster for the economy when factoring in higher utility bills, exorbitant cleanup costs, flooding disaster damages, healthcare expenses, reduced agricultural production, and lost business opportunities.
We urge you to take action now to tell the EPA to fulfill its mission to protect our environment and public health. Its mission is not to make it easier for industry to destroy our public resources and take away our right to clean water.
There are two ways you can take action by April 23:
- Submit your own comments through the government portal. [More info here.]
- Click on this action alert to submit comments.
It’s urgent that your voice be heard — before it’s too late! Our families and future generations need us to take action now to fight for everyone’s right to clean water!
A Challenging Year for Clean Water Legislation in Maryland & Virginia
It was a tough legislative and budget year in both Maryland and Virginia, compounded by the federal budget and workforce cuts. We did have a few wins such as the passage of a precedent-setting bill in Maryland for the monitoring, assessment and cleanup of toxic coal ash sites. Read more about this win and the future challenges the states will face. As we experience the unprecedented gutting of our bedrock federal environmental and public health protections, your voice and support has never been more crucial. Every email, phone call, meeting, and donation from people like you helps ensure that clean water and public health stay front and center in conversations about state legislation and budgets. Reach out to your local Waterkeepers today. Waterkeepers won’t back down and will continue to advocate for bold, long-term solutions.
Waterkeeper Wins!
On March 31, 2025, the court ruled in favor of Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper. Its lawsuit showed that Republic Services’ Modern Landfill violated the federal Clean Water Act 419 times from July 2019 through April 2023. This court decision confirms the landfill’s liability for violating its permit, including unpermitted discharges of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the forever chemicals. Read more.
This Earth Day, Our Water Needs You!
With Earth Day around the corner, we’re reflecting on the power and necessity of local advocacy during these very uncertain times we are living in. Our region’s families and communities have been hit hard by the rapid-fire changes from the federal government. Our bedrock environmental laws and democratic institutions are being weakened and transformed. Our economy is in the midst of an upheaval. In this chaotic time, our Waterkeepers’ commitment to their communities and to local protections for their drinking water and the places they love is stronger than ever.
Waterkeepers across the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays region are rising to the challenge of defending the places we live, work, and play. Together, we are a powerful force for change.
Will join us in the fight and make a donation today? This month only, for Earth Day, a generous donor will match up to $1000!
Around the Watershed
Join your local Waterkeeper at an event for Earth Day! Waterkeepers are hosting cleanups, volunteer trainings, river reports, webinars and more all month long. Check out the calendar of events.
Make the Bay Paddle part of your summer plans! On Saturday, July 26 at Kent Island, Maryland, you can paddle in the Chesapeake Bay for 3 miles, 10 miles or 35 miles! Your participation will support Waterkeepers Chesapeake, Oyster Recovery Partnership and Chesapeake Conservancy. Sign up today!
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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