Chesapeake WATERS Act
This bill reauthorizes the Chesapeake Bay Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and establishes its role as the primary NOAA representative in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The legislation creates a new Director position with expertise in Chesapeake Bay research and resource management, and expands the office's responsibilities to include coastal hazards, climate change, and education initiatives. Key provisions authorize programs for scientific peer review, coastal observing systems, education and training grants, and habitat restoration projects focused on oysters, blue crabs, and other living marine resources. The bill also requires biennial reports to Congress on the office's activities and progress in protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Feb 26, 2026
Last action Feb 26, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 26, 2026
Committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
upper
Feb 26, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Mark R. Warner
DDemocratic
Co
Angela D. Alsobrooks
DDemocratic
Co
Chris Van Hollen
DDemocratic
Co
Tim Kaine
DDemocratic
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