n loadings is about 3.4 million pounds annually. In order to meet the 2000 Agreement’s goal of removing the Bay from EPA’s impaired waters list, nutrient loadings must be reduced by 16 million pounds annually. According to the 2006 Chesapeake Bay 2006 Health and Restoration Assessment, the signatories have met fewer than 50% of their restoration goals. We should examine why those goals have not been met, whether the goals were realistic, whether the resources exist to meet them and where best to devote limited federal dollars in the effort. According to the Congressional Research Service, the federal government spent $58 million in 2006 directly on Chesapeake Bay programs and projects. This does not include any funding received through the two state revolving loan funds or the USDA conservation programs. We should be discussing whether that money was well spent or should be focused elsewhere.
I think today is a lost opportunity. While much of the testimony is focused on global warming, I remain hopeful we will be able to learn about local solutions to the problem of nutrient and sediment loadings.