Photo credit: Courtesy of CBF
We’d like to thank the ‘Supremes’ for keeping the Chesapeake Bay safe and clean so that 500 guests could binge on oysters at the first “DC on the Half Shell” bash at Washington’s historic Union Market to honor Michael Hankin, CBF Conservationist of the Year for his leadership in restoring Baltimore Harbor.
Lest you think we jest about the ‘Supremes’ – here’s some background and the Supreme Court ruling provided by the CBF.
Background: In the Chesapeake Bay region, there have been decades of failed voluntary efforts to reduce pollution and restore water quality. As part of the 2010 settlement of a Clean Water Act legal action by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and its partners, the states and EPA worked cooperatively to established science-based limits on the pollution fouling the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams (formally known as a Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL).
The ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court today denied the request of the American Farm Bureau Federation and its allies to take up their case challenging the legality of the Chesapeake Bay clean-up plan known as the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. That decision means that the ruling of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals will stand. That unanimous ruling found that EPA did not exceed its authority and that the efforts to restore local rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay are entirely legal.
We’re not sure exactly what all that legalese means, but in lay terms it means that we can continue to safely eat oysters at the 929 (factoid courtesy of Yelp!) restaurants in DC that serve them.
Will Baker
CBF President William C. Baker (seen above at the massive oyster bin) issued his own statement:
“This is a historic day for the Bay. Everyone who cares about clean water can breathe easier now that the Supreme Court has let stand the lower court decision that Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint is perfectly legal under the federal Clean Water Act. Now that all of the legal challenges have been denied, we hope those who have opposed the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint will devote their time, expertise, and money to working with all of the clean water partners to help Save the Bay. We have consistently urged partnership not litigation, and now we hope to achieve it. Let’s show the world that the polarization which poisons so much of our society today can be rejected here on the Bay. Our collective and collegial efforts to Save the Bay, a true national treasure, can be a model for other waters worldwide.”
Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) & Will Baker
Funny or Die DC’s head writer David Litt emceed the evening that was chaired by Bambeco CEO, Susan Alpin.
The Mark G. Meadows – DC Jazz Fest
Thank you ‘Supremes.’
