June 2, 2011

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Chuck Epes, 804/780-1392

 Bay Foundation Names Delegate Ware

House's2011 'Legislator of the Year'

RICHMOND, VA. – The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) presented 2011 Legislator of the Year Awards today to Delegate Lee Ware and also to Senator Richard H. Stuart (R-28^th) for their leadership in ensuring successful adoption by the Virginia General Assembly of a bill banning the sale of lawn maintenance fertilizers containing phosphorus.

The new law will help reduce phosphorus pollution running off into the Chesapeake Bay from Virginia by at least 230,000 pounds per year. That could save Virginia localities millions of dollars by reducing their need to install expensive stormwater runoff systems to trap and filter phosphorus and other pollutants that harm the Bay and its rivers.

“The Chesapeake Bay Foundation salutes Senator Stuart and Delegate Ware for seizing the initiative to advance Virginia’s Bay cleanup plan to reduce pollution,” said CBF Virginia Executive Director Ann F. Jennings. “Not only will this legislation help Virginia achieve its Bay and river cleanup goals, but it will do so at virtually no cost to citizens and localities.”

In accepting the Foundation's recognition, Delegate Ware remarked, "It is a privilege to be able to assist with legislation that promises to contribute to the restoration of Chesapeake Bay and also James River, because our natural resources are among our greatest inheritances as Virginians. For too long we have drawn upon these resources without taking due care to ensure their conservation. Therefore, I am grateful to Chesapeake Bay Foundation for its endeavors in this regard and also for its generous recognition of my labors as a legislator. I look forward to further opportunities for cooperation in the future."

Lawn and turf grass are now the largest “crops” grown in the Chesapeake watershed and are increasing at an annual rate of 8.6 percent, or faster than the rate of population growth. Even though most established lawns require no phosphorus, many homeowners routinely apply fertilizer containing phosphorus to their yards. Fertilizer with nitrogen is also frequently misapplied, such as to paved surfaces, frozen ground, or grass that doesn’t need it. The new legislation calls for clear consumer labeling on fertilizer packages; requires lawn service companies and other professionals to apply fertilizer according to nutrient management standards; and prohibits the use of de-icers containing nitrogen.

In addition to working with CBF, Senator Stuart and Delegate Ware sponsored the legislation with multiple co-patrons, including Senators Ralph S. Northam (D-6^th), Mary Margaret Whipple (D-31^st), Dave W. Marsden (D- 37^th), Ryan McDougle (R-4^th), and Jeffrey L. McWaters (R-8^th). The final measure was identical to a bill introduced by Delegate Edward T. Scott (R-30^th) and was supported by CBF, James River Association, Friends of the Rappahannock, Home Builders Association of Virginia, Virginia Association for Commercial Real Estate, and the agribusiness community.

“The Home Builders Association of Virginia strongly endorses the Commonwealth’s fertilizer legislation and congratulates Senator Stuart, Delegate Ware, and their legislative colleagues for its passage in the General Assembly,” said Michael L. Toalson, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders group. “Our industry is proud to be part of Virginia’s clean water solution.” .

Delegate Ware received his award at an event held in cooperation with the James River Association and the Home Builders Association of Virginia at The Boathouse at Sunday Park restaurant, which generously donated space, food, and refreshments for the awards ceremony. The Boathouse Restaurant relies on local, sustainable seafood for its menu and regularly donates a portion of sales of its “Watershed Specials” to CBF and Friends of James River Park in Richmond.

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                                             Yours cordially,
                                 
                                            R. Lee Ware