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HB1519 • 2026

Chesapeake Bay Watershed; generated by point sources or nonpoint sources, sunset.

<p class=ldtitle>A BILL relating to Chesapeake Bay Watershed Nutrient Credit.</p>

Water
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Runion
Last action
2026-02-11
Official status
Incorporated
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official summary does not provide specific details about applying existing conditions and limitations for point source nitrogen or phosphorus credits, so this claim was removed.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Nutrient Credit

This law modifies the definition of nutrient credit to include both point sources and nonpoint sources in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed until June 30, 2027.

What This Bill Does

  • Modifies the definition of nutrient credit to include contributions from both point sources and nonpoint sources.
  • Sets an expiration date for this law on June 30, 2027.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People and organizations that generate nutrient pollution in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
  • Agencies responsible for enforcing water quality regulations in Virginia.

Terms To Know

nutrient credit
A system where entities can earn credits by reducing their nutrient pollution, which they can then use to offset other pollution sources.
point source
A specific and identifiable source of pollution, like a pipe or ditch that discharges pollutants into water.
nonpoint source
Pollution from diffuse sources such as agricultural runoff or stormwater that does not come from a single point.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The law expires on June 30, 2027.
  • It is unclear what will happen after the expiration date without further legislation.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-11 Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources

    Incorporated by Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources (HB952-Lopez) (Voice Vote)

  2. 2026-02-10 House

    Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1519)

  3. 2026-02-09 Chesapeake

    Subcommittee recommends incorporating (Voice Vote)

  4. 2026-01-30 Chesapeake

    Assigned HACNR sub: Chesapeake

  5. 2026-01-23 House

    Presented and ordered printed 26106160D

  6. 2026-01-23 Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources

    Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources

Official Summary Text

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Nutrient Credit.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
A BILL relating to Chesapeake Bay Watershed Nutrient Credit.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.
§ 1.
For purposes of subsection D of §
62.1-44.19:21
, Code of Virginia, the term nutrient credit shall include nutrient credits generated by point sources or by nonpoint sources in accordance with the requirements of Article 4.02 of Chapter 3.1 of Title 62.1, Code of Virginia, and the same conditions and limitations set forth in (i) through (iv) of subsection A of §
62.1-44.19:21
, Code of Virginia, shall apply in the case of point source nitrogen or phosphorus credits acquired, used, and transferred for compliance. The provisions of this legislation shall expire on June 30, 2027.