Regular Session 2023-2024 House Resolution 0104 P.N. 1207

PRINTER'S NO. 1207

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

No.

104

Session of

2023

INTRODUCED BY STURLA, HILL-EVANS, BENNINGHOFF, KINSEY, SANCHEZ,

HOWARD, FLEMING, MALAGARI, TAKAC, VITALI, HADDOCK, CERRATO,

MENTZER AND KHAN, MAY 10, 2023

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY,

MAY 10, 2023

A RESOLUTION

Designating the week of June 4 through 10, 2023, as "Chesapeake

Bay Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay is the largest and most

productive estuary in the United States, with its watershed

spanning six states and the District of Columbia; and

WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay is fed by 50 major tributaries,

the largest being the Susquehanna River, which provides 50% of

the fresh water to the bay; and

WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay's tributaries in this

Commonwealth are an important source of drinking water and

recreational fishing and boating for this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay watershed covers 64,000 square

miles, which encompasses half of this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay watershed is an extraordinary and

vital natural resource, with some of the nation's most

productive farm and forest lands in this Commonwealth's portion

of the watershed; and

WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay supports 348 species of finfish,

173 species of shellfish and more than 3,600 species of plant

and animal life, including 2,700 types of plants and more than

16 species of underwater grasses; and

WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay produces more than 500 million

pounds of seafood harvest each year; and

WHEREAS, This productivity supported the settlement and

growth of our nation and is a vital resource for future

generations; and

WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay area is home to more than 18

million people, many of whom rely upon the bay for their

livelihood and recreational activities; and

WHEREAS, The rich history, pivotal economic importance and

astounding beauty of the Chesapeake Bay watershed never cease to

amaze residents and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, The year 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the

Chesapeake Bay Program, a partnership between the Federal

Government, states, the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the

Chesapeake Bay Commission to coordinate science and policy

across jurisdictions; and

WHEREAS, All residents of this Commonwealth are encouraged to

commemorate "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" with events and

educational programs designed to increase awareness of the

importance of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to this

Commonwealth, the region and the United States; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the

week of June 4 through 10, 2023, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness

Week" in Pennsylvania.

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