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Congress·In Committee·2 months ago

Congress Moves to Renew NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, Expanding Bay science, education grants, and habitat restoration

Also known as: Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(4)
Small Business Owner
Neutral
Gig Worker
Neutral
Farmer Rancher
Neutral
Federal Employee
Neutral
Positive Impacts(3)
Student
Helps
Student Loans
Helps
Child Tax Credit
Helps

Key Points

  • Congress would renew and update NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office, making it NOAA’s main point of contact for Bay work.
  • The bill sets clearer leadership duties for the Office Director and requires regular reports to Congress on progress and next steps.
  • It encourages more monitoring and data-sharing in the Bay, including tools like the Chesapeake Bay interpretive buoy system for weather and ecology info.
  • It allows NOAA to run or expand Bay-focused education and training, including grants for student learning, teacher training, and internships.
  • It supports projects to protect and restore Bay habitats and species like oysters, blue crabs, underwater grasses, and key fish through grants and partnerships.
EnvironmentClimate ChangeEducationAgriculture

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Dec 18, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Dec 18, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After the bill becomes law

NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office begins operating under the updated rules (Director authority, peer review process).

Projects and grants tied to the Bay are more likely to go through a clear scientific review process, which can affect which local projects get funded.

Every 2 years after the requirement starts

NOAA submits the first required report and 2-year action plan after implementation begins.

The public and local partners get a clearer picture of what NOAA funded, what worked, and what the next priorities are.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act

Bill NumberHR 6893
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(3)
D: 1R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.