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Chesapeake WATERS Act

USA119th CongressS-3939| Senate 
| Updated: 2/26/2026
Mark R. Warner

Mark R. Warner

Democratic Senator

Virginia

Cosponsors (3)
Angela D. Alsobrooks (Democratic)Tim Kaine (Democratic)Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation, titled the Chesapeake Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science Act, reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Chesapeake Bay Office. It designates the Office as NOAA's primary representative in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and updates the Director's qualifications to include knowledge and experience in Chesapeake Bay research or resource management. The bill also clarifies that the Administrator of NOAA, rather than the Secretary of Commerce, oversees the Office's functions and responsibilities. The reauthorized Office is mandated to implement new programs and activities to support the Chesapeake Executive Council and further the Bay's restoration. Key additions include an Integrated Coastal Observations program to support a regional observing system and coordinate monitoring, and a Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System to provide real-time data and educational resources. Furthermore, the bill establishes a Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training Program , offering grants for K-12 education, internships, and professional development, and a Coastal Living Resources Management and Habitat Program to protect and restore critical habitats and species like oysters and fish. To ensure effectiveness, the Director must establish mechanisms for peer review and scientific merit for all projects and consult with the Chesapeake Executive Council to align activities with the Chesapeake Bay Agreement. The legislation requires biennial reports to Congress detailing the Office's activities, progress, and future action plans, including recommendations for integrating NOAA activities with Chesapeake Bay Program partners. The Administrator is also directed to delegate necessary authority and staff to the Director to carry out these expanded functions.
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Timeline
Feb 26, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Feb 26, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • February 26, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 26, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Chesapeake WATERS Act

USA119th CongressS-3939| Senate 
| Updated: 2/26/2026
This legislation, titled the Chesapeake Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science Act, reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Chesapeake Bay Office. It designates the Office as NOAA's primary representative in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and updates the Director's qualifications to include knowledge and experience in Chesapeake Bay research or resource management. The bill also clarifies that the Administrator of NOAA, rather than the Secretary of Commerce, oversees the Office's functions and responsibilities. The reauthorized Office is mandated to implement new programs and activities to support the Chesapeake Executive Council and further the Bay's restoration. Key additions include an Integrated Coastal Observations program to support a regional observing system and coordinate monitoring, and a Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System to provide real-time data and educational resources. Furthermore, the bill establishes a Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training Program , offering grants for K-12 education, internships, and professional development, and a Coastal Living Resources Management and Habitat Program to protect and restore critical habitats and species like oysters and fish. To ensure effectiveness, the Director must establish mechanisms for peer review and scientific merit for all projects and consult with the Chesapeake Executive Council to align activities with the Chesapeake Bay Agreement. The legislation requires biennial reports to Congress detailing the Office's activities, progress, and future action plans, including recommendations for integrating NOAA activities with Chesapeake Bay Program partners. The Administrator is also directed to delegate necessary authority and staff to the Director to carry out these expanded functions.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Feb 26, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Feb 26, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • February 26, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 26, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Mark R. Warner

Mark R. Warner

Democratic Senator

Virginia

Cosponsors (3)
Angela D. Alsobrooks (Democratic)Tim Kaine (Democratic)Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted