Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Passage of FY19 Interior Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, DC: On July 19, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6147, the Department of the Interior, Environment, Financial Services, and General Government Appropriations Act for 2019. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) made the following statement in support of the bill's passage:

"Today, the U.S House of Representatives approved $73 million in funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program. This funding allows ongoing Bay cleanup efforts to continue through next year, and will keep the Bay healthy for fisherman, oystermen, crabbers, and recreational activities. This legislation also addresses the proposed 86 offshore wind turbines to be built off the coast of Ocean City, by urging the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to work with other federal agencies, the State of Maryland, and the people of Ocean City to come to a consensus on the wind turbines' height and distance from the shore before any construction and operations plan (COP) is approved. Offshore wind is a critical issue for the people of Ocean City, and the federal government should not override the will of the local community on this issue. I commend my Republican colleagues in the House for their continued support of the Chesapeake Bay Program, and for their attention to the issue of offshore wind."