Clean Water Act 50th Anniversary (CWA50)

Waterkeepers Chesapeake launched the Clean Water Act 50th Anniversary campaign (CWA50) in 2022 to harnessed the power and promise of the Clean Water Act for a cleaner, more justice future by mobilizing communities through storytelling (champions), events (celebrations), and tools for collective action, and championed legislation to address today’s pollution, climate and justice challenges.

• Created campaign website to highlight stories, promote events, offer CWA basics, community tools and resources.
• Created the CWAPlaybook.org for frontline communities, including production of 3 videos
• 167 events hosted by WKC, Waterkeepers, community partners – signature events included six Open Mic Nights at Busboys & Poets, 5% Day at all MOM’s Organic Market stores
• 143 partners
• Collaborated on Upstream, Downriver
• Co-authored Standing Last in Line: The Hurdles to Bringing Environmental Accountability Lawsuits in Maryland
• Waterkeepers participated in Waterkeeper Alliance’s PFAS monitoring project. Report released on CWA 50th Anniversary, Oct 18, 2022.
• Passed landmark Clean Water Act legislation in Maryland:
• In 2021:

• Citizen Intervention bill (SB334/HB76) – gives people and communities who have been harmed by water pollution the ability to legally intervene in a CWA lawsuit brought by the state in state court.

• Climate Adaptation bill (SB227/HB295) – requires MDE to update stormwater design standards with the most recent precipitation data available.

• Environmental Enforcement Reporting Act (SB324/HB204) – enhances transparency by requiring Maryland to keep — and make accessible to the public — electronic records of enforcement and water pollution data.

• In 2022:

• Environmental Enforcement bill (SB492/649) – requires MDE to clear the backlog of “zombie permits” and update them by 2026, and to inspect facilities deemed in significant noncompliance.

• Environmental Justice Screening bill (SB818/HB1200) – requires disclosure of existing pollution sources when a permit is being requested for a new polluting facility, and that this information be provided to communities early in the permitting process.

• The George “Walter” Taylor Act (SB273/HB275) – restricts the use and disposal of PFAS.

• Spotlight on Waterkeepers Chesapeake’s and our Waterkeepers’ Clean Water Act legal successes.