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Maryland, Virginia, D.C. join forces to challenge EPA inaction on Bay cleanup
The non-partisan Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) citizen watchdog group is lauding a joint action by the Attorney General’s Offices of Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. regarding a failure by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to hold two northern states accountable for their roles in pollution of the Chesapeake Bay. That pollution is seen as a major threat to the Bay’s billion-dollar commercial fishing industry.
Warren County and other Northern Valley counties are also part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed impacted by past mandates on preventing regional pollution from floating downstream to the Bay. Targeted by the trio of AG Offices are EPA failures to hold Pennsylvania and New York to standards mandated as part of the long-term cleanup plan to preserve the Chesapeake Bay’s ability to sustain the aquatic life at the heart of a major source of the U.S. seafood supply.
Below is the full text of the Environmental Integrity Project release on the action, followed by the press release of Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh’s office elaborating on why the suit is being brought forward:
Praise for Legal Action Against Trump EPA over its Failure to Enforce Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Attorneys General for MD, VA and DC File Notice of Intent to Sue EPA for Failing to Force PA and NY to Reduce Pollution
Washington, D.C. – The Attorneys General of Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia today filed a notice of intent to sue the Trump Administration EPA over its failure to force Pennsylvania and New York State to meet their Chesapeake Bay cleanup obligations under a 2010 regional agreement with a deadline of 2025.
Eric Schaeffer, former Director of Civil Enforcement at EPA and Executive Director of the Environmental Integrity Project, issued the following statement in support of the legal action.
“This is a welcome development and long overdue, because the Trump Administration’s EPA has really fallen down on its job to enforce the Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan,” said Schaeffer. “This lack of accountability has been especially troublesome in the case of the state adding the largest share of pollution in the Bay, Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth has been slashing the budget and staffing of its Department of Environmental Protection and doing little to reduce agricultural pollution and even sewage overflows from the state capital, Harrisburg, during the same decade when it had promised to step up its efforts. Enough is enough.”
A copy of the notice is attached. The notice says in part: “The Bay TMDL (cleanup agreement, or Total Maximum Daily Load) requires Pennsylvania to reduce its nitrogen pollution by about 33.8 million pounds per year. Pennsylvania’s (most recent cleanup plan, called the ‘Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan’) however, reflecting significant deficiencies in funding, shows anticipated reductions of only 24.8 million pounds per year. Thus, Pennsylvania’s Phase III WIP leaves the Bay with an excess of approximately 9 million pounds of nitrogen per year.”
Below is the press release from Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh’s Office:
Attorneys General Frosh, Herring, Racine File Notice of Intent to Sue EPA
Agency Failed to Hold Pennsylvania and New York Accountable for Bay Pollution
BALTIMORE, MD (May 18, 2020) – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh, joined by the Attorneys General of Virginia and the District of Columbia, today filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) to sue the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its failure to require Pennsylvania and New York to develop and implement plans to achieve 2025 Chesapeake Bay restoration goals. Under the Clean Water Act, EPA has a nondiscretionary duty to “ensure that management plans are developed and implementation is begun by signatories to the Chesapeake Bay Agreement to achieve and maintain” the Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The TMDL is a comprehensive “pollution diet” aimed at restoring clean water in the Bay States that sets limits for nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, in addition to reductions in sediment.
EPA’s recent evaluation of each Bay state’s Watershed Improvement Plan (WIP) concluded that Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia all will attain their respective necessary load reductions by 2025. EPA also concluded that the plans submitted by Pennsylvania and New York were deficient, falling short of nutrient reduction goals and lacking in sufficient funding. EPA has not, however, required Pennsylvania or New York to develop or implement plans that fully meet the pollution reduction goals.
“The Chesapeake Bay is one of our country’s most valuable natural resources,” said Attorney General Frosh. “Restoring the health of the Bay will take a coordinated, multistate effort with every state sharing the burden. EPA has abandoned its responsibility to regulate and manage the efforts of the Bay states. Together, we fully intend to hold EPA accountable and require it to perform its regulatory duty.”
“Protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay requires a comprehensive effort by each of the watershed states as well as the EPA,” said Attorney General Mark R. Herring. “As the administrator of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, EPA must treat each of the partners equally and make sure every state is pulling its weight and upholding its portion of the agreement, but instead, the Trump EPA simply rubberstamped plans that are plainly inadequate. I hope we are able to come to an understanding that is beneficial for all parties, while keeping the health of the Bay at the forefront.”
“Our coalition of State Attorneys General will not allow the EPA to walk away from its enforcement obligations and undermine decades of work to reduce pollution across the Chesapeake Bay watershed,” said D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine. “The District is committed to reaching our pollution reduction goals, but if other states are not doing their part, and the EPA is not keeping watch, we will fail to restore the Bay and our local waters, including the Potomac River.”
“Maryland will continue to work with all of our partners to meet Bay restoration goals, as this important lawsuit moves forward,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles. “EPA must be held accountable to enforce the clean water commitments made by our upstream partners.”
In 2007, the Bay States and EPA agreed that EPA would establish a TMDL for the entire Bay Watershed. Pursuant to that agreement, in 2010, EPA established the Bay TMDL, a comprehensive “pollution diet” aimed at restoring clean water in the Bay States. The Bay TMDL sets limits for pollution that equate to a 25 percent reduction in nitrogen, a 24 percent reduction in phosphorus, and a 20 percent reduction in sediment. The Bay TMDL further allocates these pollution reductions to the respective Bay States, including Pennsylvania and New York, with a 2025 deadline to achieve the reductions.
To ensure they met the Bay TMDL’s goals, EPA required each Bay State to submit a series of WIPs detailing how it would achieve its allocated pollution reductions over the course of the Bay TMDL’s term. EPA received the third and final WIP for each Bay State on August 23, 2019.EPA concluded that the Phase III WIPs (Watershed Implementation Plan) submitted by Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia showed they would attain the necessary load reductions by 2025. EPA similarly concluded that Delaware and West Virginia had submitted Phase III WIPs that met their respective numeric planning targets and would attain the necessary load reductions by 2025. Pennsylvania and New York, however, submitted Phase III WIPs that failed to meet their planning targets. Pennsylvania’s plan, as approved by EPA, would only achieve approximately 75 percent of its target for nitrogen reduction and reflected significant deficiencies in funding. New York’s plan would only achieve a 64 percent nitrogen reduction – falling short of the planning target by nearly 1 million pounds per year.
EPA has not required Pennsylvania or New York to prepare a Phase III WIP that remedies these deficiencies. The obligations of Pennsylvania and New York in the Bay Agreement and Bay TMDL are critical to restoring clean water in the Chesapeake Bay and its streams, creeks, and rivers. Yet EPA has allowed these jurisdictions to send approximately 10 million excess pounds of nitrogen into the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed every year, and threaten the success of efforts to restore the Bay.
Local News
Warren County High School DECA Team Shines at International Conference
Warren County High School’s DECA team celebrated a significant achievement at the 2024 DECA International Career Development Conference held from April 26-30. Fifteen talented students represented the school across various competitive categories, demonstrating their skills in business and marketing.
The DECA team’s participation included impressive presentations in several competitions: Caden Monroe in Accounting Applications, Aiden Dunnet and Jonathan Panciera in Integrated Marketing Campaign-Product, Ella Martin and Sadie Patterson in School-Based Enterprises-Food Operations, Raymond Dingess and Marshall Barton in School-Based Enterprises-Retail Operations, and Sophia Logan, Breanna Taylor, and Ayaana Vasishta in Project Management-Sales Project.
Sophia Logan, Breanna Taylor, and Ayaana Vasishta distinguished themselves by placing in the Top 20 with their project “DECA Dogs,” presented at the Fall Festival of Leaves in October 2023. Their project showcased exceptional creativity and strategic acumen, securing their spot among the top contenders.
In addition to the competitions, students Nathalie Abrego, April Escobar, Makayla Harper, Erika Navarro, and Kiara Wiles participated in a two-day leadership academy, gaining invaluable skills and insights.
Sophia Logan shared her experience: “This DECA ICDC Conference was a major highlight of my DECA career. It was an opportunity to refine my skills and connect with fellow members, experience new cultures, and enjoy the beauty of California. I am immensely proud of our team’s top 20 placement and thankful for our advisors who supported us throughout this journey.”
Ayaana Vasishta added, “ICDC was an unforgettable experience, and placing in the top 20 nationally was truly exhilarating. Thanks to our community and advisors, we had the chance to showcase our talents on a national stage.”
The success of the WCHS DECA team at the conference is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the robust support from their school and community. Their achievements highlight the quality of the school’s DECA program and its commitment to fostering future business leaders.
Livestream - SMS
Warren County Celebrates High School Graduates with Inspirational Baccalaureate Service
Local News
Blue Ridge Hospice Founder Helen Zebarth Honored at Berryville Ceremony
Helen Zebarth of Winchester, founder of Blue Ridge Hospice some 45 years ago, was honored with the formation of the Helen Zebarth Legacy Society, consisting of 16 high-end contributors who will help ensure the future of Blue Ridge Hospice.
The Berryville ceremony of May 8 was attended by most all of the newly elected members of the society, featuring not only new members of the Legacy but staff and volunteers, including former hospice chaplain Susan O’Kelly, now a part-time hospice volunteer, who led off the ceremonial with an invocation followed immediately by welcoming remarks by hospice President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Parson.
Joining Helen and her husband Roger Zebarth as founding members of the Legacy Society were Steven Allen, Ewan and Maybell Campbell, Susan B. and Richard A. Casey, Dawn Draayer, hospice’s Director of Philanthropy, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Jenkins, Gary Lambert, Margaret M. Myer, Michael Ricketts, and Dr. Leonard Yang and Janet Yang. All received framed certificates denoting their Legacy Society membership.
Helen Zebarth said she brought the idea of establishing a hospice in the area from a stay in England in the 1970s while her husband, a U.S. Army veteran, was based in Europe. England, evidently, is where the hospice concept originated a half-century or more ago.
While paying tribute to Blue Ridge Hospice’s large band of volunteers, board Chair Richard Kennedy described Helen as “our shining star.” Helen said she decided at the time that on her return from the United Kingdom, “We need a hospice in Winchester.” And so, in 1974, the hospice opened there with 30 patients. By 2014, 10 years ago, Blue Ridge Hospice had tended to some 10,000 patients in “end of life care” — and the number kept climbing.
Local News
Police and Youth Engagement: Building Bridges for a Stronger Future
Across America, police departments actively engage with young people through various programs designed to foster mutual respect, understanding, and trust between law enforcement officers and their communities. These initiatives not only aim to educate youth about the roles and responsibilities of police officers but also strive to empower the next generation through mentorship and positive interactions. Here are some notable efforts:
Explorer and Cadet Programs
These programs are pivotal in introducing the youth to the intricacies of law enforcement. Young participants engage in hands-on activities under the guidance of experienced officers, gaining a firsthand look at what the life of a police officer entails. More than just learning about the job, these programs are about cultivating leadership skills and understanding the importance of civic responsibility.
Police Athletic Leagues (PALs)
PALs are crucial in bridging the gap between police officers and young people through sports and educational activities. These programs provide a safe and supportive environment where youth can interact with officers outside the traditional law enforcement setting. Activities range from basketball and soccer to tutoring sessions designed to encourage teamwork and personal development.
Summer Job Programs
With an emphasis on professional growth and skill development, summer job programs sponsored by police departments offer young people a chance to earn while they learn. These opportunities are about making money and understanding the value of hard work, commitment, and community service, with police officers often serving as mentors and role models.
School Resource Officers (SROs)
SROs are more than just security personnel in schools; they are counselors and mentors who significantly shape the educational environment. Their presence in schools ensures safety and fosters a nurturing setting where students can focus on learning and growth. By interacting daily with students, SROs help demystify the role of law enforcement and promote a culture of safety and respect within the school community.
National Police Week
National Police Week, observed from May 12 to 18, is an opportune time to engage with these initiatives. Many police departments host open houses, workshops, and meet-and-greets this week, providing families and youth an insider’s view into the positive impact of these community-oriented programs.
The proactive efforts of law enforcement to connect with youth underscore a commitment to positive community relations and the nurturing of the next generation. Participating in these programs gives young people valuable insights and experiences that can profoundly influence their personal and professional development. As these relationships strengthen, communities grow safer and more cohesive, illustrating the profound impact of collaboration and mutual respect between police officers and the youth they serve.