Section 2. Legislative findings and intent.
(a) Findings.--The General Assembly finds as follows:
(1) The Chesapeake Bay is America's largest and most
biologically diverse estuary, and the bay and its tributaries
have been important to our economy, traditions and culture.
(2) In 1983 the Commonwealth along with the States of
Maryland and Virginia, the District of Columbia and the
Environmental Protection Agency entered into the first
Chesapeake Bay Agreement in an effort to protect and restore
the bay's ecosystem.
(3) In 2002 the Commonwealth renewed its commitment and
entered into a new agreement entitled Chesapeake 2002, which
recognizes that the condition of the bay is dependent upon
the actions of every citizen who resides in the watershed.
(4) The Chesapeake 2002 agreement commits the
Commonwealth to make watershed education and outreach a
priority.
(b) Intent.--It is the intent of the General Assembly to develop policies that work to improve the bay's ecosystem and accomplish the goals of Chesapeake 2002, which include expanding watershed education school curricula and providing students with opportunities to directly participate in meaningful bay or stream outdoor experiences.