Nov 20, 2008 9:33 pm US/Eastern
Leaders Meet To Discuss State Of Chesapeake Bay
WASHINGTON (WJZ) ―
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Disappointment with slow progress to restore the Chesapeake Bay, sparked a protest and new promises in Washington, D.C.
CBS
Disappointment with slow progress to restore the Chesapeake Bay, sparked a protest and new promises in Washington, D.C.
Alex DeMetrick reports a meeting at Union Station brought a first of its kind demonstration.
Union Station is used to foot traffic, but none quite like the snaking, slow motion walk of hundreds of protesters.
In an unusual move by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the shuffling protest was aimed at the federal EPA.
"They have been dragging their feet, just regular bit government. Got all of these lofty goals and then do nothing about it," said John Peed, CBF member.
Those charged with doing something about it met inside the station. For two decades, Maryland and other bay states have been setting deadlines to reduce pollution, only to miss those deadlines.
But it's the EPA's slow enforcement of clean water laws that demonstrators focused on.
"We hear you. We understand the frustration of the advocates, and we hope the advocates understand the frustrations of your fellow citizens, some of whom stand before you as elected officials," said Governor Martin O'Malley.
To reduce the run-off carrying nutrients into the bay, which feeds algae and triggers dead zones, the bay's executive council pledged to set a series of two-year deadlines. These are smaller steps that can be carefully monitored to guarantee run-off reductions in waterways are met.
The council also expects a new presidential administration will spur the EPA to greater action.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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