Letter to the Editor: We have the solutions to clean up the Bay
Dear Editor,
I speak on behalf of all those who are passionate about the health of the Chesapeake Bay today, when I say I am furious. It seems like with every passing week, there is another story about dead zones, or fisheries in decline, or harbor businesses struggling, but no mention of meaningful attempts to restore the Bay.
The crazy thing is—we have the solutions to clean up the Bay—we’ve known what we need to do to bring our states most idyllic waterway back to its former glory. We’ve known, but have come up against a brick wall time after time.
There was supposed to be a hearing today to determine whether or not the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) should delay implementing the Phosphorous Management Tool on farms. This tool has been proven to reduce phosphorous runoff and better control the use of manure on farm fields; a critical solution to our pollution problem. After all, most of the pollution that goes into our streams, rivers and ultimately, the Bay, are due to excessive phosphorus.
But the hearing was cancelled. Why? Corporate agribusinesses want to delay the tools implementation, because their internal agendas are of higher priority than the health of the Chesapeake Bay and everyone who is affected by it.
We, the people of Maryland, are serious about protecting our treasured waterway, and are tired of being disappointed. We need the MDA to stop dragging their feet and ensure the timely implementation of this indispensable tool.
Talya Tavor
Field Organizer
Environment Maryland
Environment Maryland is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization. We believe Maryland is full of special places worth protecting and preserving for future generations. Whether it’s the jagged coastline of the Eastern Shore, or the rolling hills of western Maryland, the state’s natural wonders enrich our lives in countless ways. Yet the places we love and the environmental values so many of us share are too often threatened by powerful industries, short-sighted politicians and more. Defending our environment requires independent research, tough-minded advocacy and spirited grassroots action. That’s the idea behind Environment Maryland. Together with thousands of supporters from all walks of life, we take the kind of action that wins tangible results for our environment.