State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, has been elected to chair the tri-state Chesapeake Bay Commission (CBC) for 2026.

“In reclaiming the gavel, Yaw said he intends to lead the commission in driving innovative policies that will support the newly revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement,” a news release said.

“With the entire partnership united behind a revised agreement and committed to success, now is the time for bold ideas that deliver healthy streams and a restored Chesapeake Bay,” Yaw said, according to the news release. “I’m proud that Pennsylvania is being recognized as a leader on clean water and a showcase for innovative projects that highlight local benefits. We’ve made tremendous progress and I’m looking forward to scaling up our efforts over the coming year.”

Yaw serves as chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and spearheaded Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Fund in 2022. The landmark fund is Pennsylvania’s largest-ever commitment to address non-point sources of pollution like runoff from agriculture, acid mine drainage and stormwater.

Its establishment coincided with the creation of the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), which has become “one of the most successful initiatives of its kind,” the news release said. “ACAP empowers local conservation districts to work directly with farmers, sharing costs for practices that reduce sediment and nutrient runoff.”

Yaw said progress is reflected in the Chesapeake Bay’s health report card from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. The Upper Bay, which is fed primarily by the Susquehanna, earned its best grade in over 20 years in 2024 and continues to score higher than most other areas of the Bay.

“Sen. Yaw has been a strong champion for clean water in Pennsylvania for many years,” said Anna Killius, CBC executive director, according to the news release. “We are excited to have his leadership and experience back as chair this year.”

A member of the CBC since 2014, Yaw will also remain chair of the Commission’s Pennsylvania Delegation. He now takes over leadership from Maryland State Sen. Sara Love. Yaw will lead the 21-member Commission, including senators and House members from Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, along with a cabinet secretary selected by each governor and a prominent citizen member from each state.