HARRISBURG – The state Senate today unanimously approved a resolution designating the week of June 3rd through June 9th as “Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).
The designation is meant to encourage all Pennsylvanians “to commemorate Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week with events, activities, and educational programs designed to raise awareness of the importance of the Chesapeake Bay to the Commonwealth, the region, and the United States.”
“During this week, we have the opportunity to celebrate Pennsylvania’s success in reducing nutrient and sediment pollution in the Chesapeake Bay,” Sen. Yaw said. “We can educate residents about the actions each citizen can take to help restore the Bay, as well as call attention to the challenges ahead and the opportunity to restoring the Bay and Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams.”
Legislators from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia worked collaboratively in seeking passage of resolutions designating the week-long recognition of the Chesapeake Bay.
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest and most productive estuary in the United States, spanning six states and the District of Columbia. It is fed by 50 major tributaries, including the Susquehanna River, which is the largest tributary into the bay. The Susquehanna River contributes about half of the Bay’s fresh water.
The state House of Representatives adopted a similar measure on Monday sponsored by Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York).
Appointed by Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati, Senator Yaw has served as a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission since 2014.
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Nick Troutman
(717) 787-3280