Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed several new environmental protection bills into law on May 6 at Widewater State Park in Stafford. The event was attended by lawmakers who sponsored the measures during the 2026 legislative session and partners who advocated for their passage.
The newly signed laws address issues such as wastewater pollution, wetlands preservation, climate resilience, and environmental justice. These efforts are seen as important steps toward improving water quality and supporting the health of local ecosystems.
Several of the new laws focus on reducing PFAS chemicals in fertilizers and waterways. One bill requires sewage sludge used in fertilizer to be tested for PFAS, prohibiting its use if certain thresholds are exceeded. Another measure mandates that wastewater treatment plants monitor for PFAS and report findings to the Department of Environmental Quality if detected.
Other legislation aims to protect wetlands during permitting processes, update state resilience policies to support wetland migration corridors, and establish a Habitat Policy Oversight Committee within the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Additional measures direct state agencies to consider cumulative impacts on environmental justice communities when issuing permits and prioritize projects with nature-based solutions or those serving low-income areas when distributing funds from the Resilient Virginia Revolving Fund.
Jay Ford, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Policy Manager, said: “Virginians will see less pollution, more climate resilience, and ultimately a healthier Chesapeake Bay thanks to these bills.” Ford continued: “Lawmakers in the Commonwealth have taken significant steps to cut down on the prevalence of PFAS in the Bay watershed, shore up wetlands that help promote Bay health, and position Virginia to be a leader on promoting climate-smart solutions during the development of new projects and permitting.” He added: “Thanks to Governor Spanberger and the legislators for supporting these initiatives and making Bay restoration a top priority during this year’s session.”
Ford concluded: “It is now time for legislators to come together on a budget plan that provides sufficient funding for wastewater treatment, menhaden research, and pollution reduction, among other items that will continue to help make Virginia a great place in which to live, work, and play.”
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Office supports cultural well-being through statewide outdoor education programs such as student leadership initiatives; operates facilities including offices in Richmond and Hampton Roads; works across multiple regions with field staff; addresses pollution from various sources; collaborates with communities through events like Clean the Bay Day; all as part of its broader mission within the organization.
