Bay Update

 

I have a few notes and comments on some recent items affecting the Chesapeake Bay.

Crabs

It looks as though the new crab regulations proposed by the state are going to stick.  While there have been lots of complaints by watermen, particularly those on the lower Shore where female crabs predominate late in the summer, the state seems to be standing its ground.  There have even been a number of calls to ban all harvesting of female crabs, rather than just restricting it as the regulations do. 

I think the state is right in this case and I'm hoping that the combined actions of Maryland and Virginia result in a noticable improvement in the number of surviving and spawning crabs in the next year or so.  Of course, the restrictions on crab harvest do nothing to address the root cause of the problem, which is declining water quality in the Bay.

Phosphorus Ban

The Governor has signed a bill pushing back the effective date of the ban on phosphorus-containing dishwasher detergents.  The ban, on nearly all phosphorus, was to have been effective in January of 2010.  A number of other states passed similar laws, but theirs are all effective in July of 2010.  At the request of Proctor & Gamble and some other companies, the General Assembly passed a bill to delay the ban for six months to allow the companies more time to make the switch. 

I don't really have a problem with the six month delay.  I would be happier if the companies had kicked in couple hundred thousand dollars to help clean up the Bay, but it seems like a reasonable accomodation to me and it makes sense to coordinate with the other states.

Cleaning Up the Bay

An interesting survey by a couple of environmental groups revealed that Baltimore area people are willing to do more to help stop polluting the Bay and harbor, but aren't willing to pay additional taxes for Bay cleanup.  Interestingly, more than 80 percent said that it would make a big difference in the quality of the Bay and harbor if they picked up litter and kept storm drains clear of trash.  A majority said it would make a big difference if people cleaned up after pets and didn't overfertilize their lawns.  But yet, people don't pick up litter, many don't clean up after their pets and overfertilization of lawns is a major source of pollution in the Bay. 

People complain about environmental regulations and paying taxes to clean up trash, but those are the inevitable result of not doing what they know they should be doing.  I guess I expect too much.

The Farm Bill

Congress finally passed the farm bill this week.  While it's an awful piece of legislation, it does include some $690 million in funding for Chesapeake Bay cleanup over the next ten years.  The President vetoed the bill today, but it's likely that Congress will override the veto.  The money will be used to reduce agricultural runoff through buffer zones and the like.

I'll get back to more regular posts this week.