ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Governor Wes Moore signed the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act into law on May 13, 2025, during his fourth bill signing ceremony of the year, marking a significant step in the Moore-Miller Administration’s efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay while fostering economic growth. The legislation, a cornerstone of the administration’s agenda, promotes sustainable practices in agriculture, aquaculture, and watershed restoration, and was joined by bills expanding reproductive health care and equal access to public services.
“We have a responsibility to hand over the state to the next generation better than we found it. That’s not just a moral priority – that’s an economic imperative,” said Gov. Moore. “The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act will uplift every sector of our Bay economy, from agriculture to aquaculture. Together, we will protect and preserve our natural heirlooms and drive economic growth. Those missions aren’t in conflict, they’re in concert.”
The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act modernizes Maryland’s water quality monitoring, streamlines aquaculture leasing, and updates fisheries management. It promotes regenerative agriculture on state-owned land and establishes the Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Pilot Program, incentivizing farmers to adopt practices that enhance soil health and reduce pollution. The act also funds the Whole Watershed Act, targeting restoration in five key watersheds, and aligns with recommendations from the Chesapeake Bay Program’s May 2023 Comprehensive Evaluation of System Response report.
Allison Colden, Maryland Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, praised the legislation. “Governor Moore’s Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act brings hope for a healthier and more resilient future,” Colden said. “This legislation gives farmers, oyster growers, and restoration practitioners the tools they need to succeed, and in turn, will reduce pollution in our rivers and streams.”
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, a key supporter, highlighted the act’s role in countering potential federal environmental rollbacks. “With federal cuts and rollbacks looming heavily on our state, Maryland’s environmental leadership is more important than ever,” Colden added. “This Act will help maintain forward momentum and ensure that investments in clean air, clean water, habitats, and local economies are secured.”
Among other bills signed, the Public Health Abortion Grant Program establishes a fund to improve access to abortion care, while the Equal Access to Public Services Act mandates state agencies to enhance services for individuals with limited English proficiency or disabilities. The Packaging and Paper Products bill creates a producer responsibility program to manage product lifecycles through recycling or composting.
The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act, sponsored by the governor with the Maryland Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment, simplifies reporting for aquaculture, which supports water quality and fish habitats. It also consolidates water quality monitoring to improve data accuracy, aiding efforts to track progress in cleaning the Bay’s rivers and streams. For a full list of bills signed, visit governor.maryland.gov/news/Pages/bill-signings.aspx.
The signing ceremony, held at the State House, underscored Maryland’s commitment to environmental and economic progress. The act’s initiatives, including the LEEF program, aim to recognize farmers who prioritize habitat and biodiversity, reducing pollution reaching the Bay. By streamlining permitting for watershed projects, the legislation accelerates restoration efforts across the state.
Maryland’s leadership in environmental policy builds on decades of efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay, a vital economic and ecological resource. The Moore-Miller Administration’s focus on collaborative, sustainable solutions positions the state to address emerging challenges while supporting local economies.
