Bill · S. 3939· Senate(119-S-3939)
Chesapeake WATERS Act
- Introduced
- 2/26/2026
- Last activity
- 2/26/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Mark Warner
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Chesapeake WATERS Act," aims to reauthorize the Chesapeake Bay Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It updates the leadership structure by requiring the Office Director to have specific experience in Chesapeake Bay research or resource management. The legislation expands the Office's scope to include coastal hazards, climate change, education, and integrated ecosystem assessments. It also establishes new programs for coastal observations, watershed education, and the management of coastal living resources. Additionally, the bill mandates biennial reports to Congress regarding progress in protecting the bay's habitats.
Yes· 3 of 18
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
The bill focuses on restoring, protecting, and building resilience for critical coastal habitats and living resources.
Would students be better off under this?+5
Establishes educational programs, training, and career pathway internships.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+5
The bill prioritizes scientific observation, data collection, and ecosystem assessment.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Scientific Oversight: The Director must use transparent mechanisms to ensure projects undergo peer review to maximize the use of funds and resources (Section 3, subsection c, paragraph 2).
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Improved Environmental Information: The Director is tasked with organizing scientific information into products that are useful to the public, scientists, and resource managers (Section 3, subsection c, paragraph 4, subparagraph B, clause iii).
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Educational Opportunities for Students: The bill establishes a watershed education and training program that includes providing career pathway internships and improving the understanding of the ecosystem for elementary and secondary school students (Section 3, subsection c, paragraph 5, subparagraph A).
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Teacher Professional Development: Grants may be used to provide professional development for teachers regarding the Chesapeake Bay watershed (Section 3, subsection c, paragraph 5, subparagraph B, clause iii).
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Support for Local Fisheries and Habitats: The Coastal Living Resources Management and Habitat Program can support native oyster research, restoration, and fish and shellfish aquaculture (Section 3, subsection c, paragraph 6, subparagraph B, clauses i and ii).
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Protection of Coastal Communities: The program may include activities to restore, protect, and build the resilience of critical coastal habitats and communities (Section 3, subsection c, paragraph 6, subparagraph B, clause iv).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+5Good For Children+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For Business Owners+2Good For Farmers+2Good For Rural Residents+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+7Improves Public Land Management+3Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+2Reduces Carbon Emissions+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5Increases Public School Funding+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2Improves Economic Growth+1Improves Small Business Support+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+1
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+3
- 2/26/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland