Trump’s EPA Pick Supports Chesapeake Bay Program

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WBFF) — On a sunny, windy February Friday, the new leader of the Environmental Protection Agency walked along a living shoreline in Annapolis before a meeting about the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Lee Zelin, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the EPA, made his first visit to the Chesapeake Bay area as administrator of the agency. His visit comes as uncertainty surrounds the future of federal agencies and funding.

“It’s great to be able to be here to meet the team,” Zeldin said before the meeting with Chesapeake Bay Program members.

Speaking with FOX45 News, Zeldin said he believes the program is important, “not just for a region, but really for the country.”

The Chesapeake Bay Program is a multi-state, collaborative approach to reduce Bay pollution and improve the health of the region: the program is guided by the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement that goals for restoring the Bay, tributaries, and land surrounding the region.

“There’s a massive economic benefit for the region and also the importance of ensuring access to clean air, land and water,” Zeldin said.

“It’s important that we are making sure that Chesapeake Bay Program has the funding that needs to survive and thrive,” he said. “It’s an important priority of mine.”