Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Virginia released a study on groundwater depletion in its eastern region, linking declines to population growth and industrial use, including data centers. The report urges stricter water regulations and greater regulatory authority over industrial water withdrawals, though it does not directly blame data centers for aquifer concerns.

Virginia released a study on groundwater depletion in its eastern region, linking declines to population growth and data center water use. The report urges stricter regulations on water withdrawals, including enhanced oversight of industrial permits and alternative water sources, as groundwater availability is projected to decrease.

Virginia's study on groundwater and data centers found declining aquifer levels due to population and industrial use, urging stricter regulations. The report, withheld for six months, highlights concerns about data centers' water consumption and calls for increased regulatory authority over water withdrawals.

Virginia's study on groundwater and data centers, delayed for six months, found declining aquifer levels due to population growth and industrial use, urging stricter water regulations. The report, released by Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger's office, highlights concerns about data centers' water consumption and calls for enhanced regulatory authority over water withdrawals.

New state funding of $2 million over two years will support a study of menhaden population in the Chesapeake Bay, led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The study aims to establish scientifically based catch limits, following years of legislative efforts and concerns from conservation groups about declining menhaden affecting species like striped bass and osprey.

Virginia lawmakers have allocated $2 million over two years to fund a state study on the menhaden population in the Chesapeake Bay, led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The study aims to inform conservation standards and catch limits for the fish, which sustain species like striped bass and osprey, amid concerns from conservation groups and opposition from Ocean Harvesters, the only Bay-based reduction fishery.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation launched its 2026 oyster gardening season in Virginia Beach at the Brock Environmental Center. The event aims to welcome new oyster farmers and teach them basics while collecting oysters from volunteers.

Kim Coble is retiring from her role as executive director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters in October 2026 after 30 years in environmental advocacy. She has led the organization for seven years, contributing to the passage of Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 and earlier work on the Bay Restoration Fund. Coble will remain with the organization until mid-2026 while a replacement is sought.

The Ashland Mill Dam, which blocked fish migration in the South Anna River for 200 years, was removed in 2024. Over 750 alewife floater mussels were reintroduced to the river after the dam's removal, as the species had become functionally extinct due to disrupted fish migration. Biologists and volunteers now monitor the mussels' recovery and fish species like herring that carry mussel larvae upstream.