I am writing in opposition to changing how Virginia defines nontidal wetlands in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. 

It is not in our Commonwealth's interest to reduce protections for our communities based on the legal determinations from the Sackett v. EPA, which I do not think applies to our situation.  The petitioner wants to reduce our state's protections for wetlands, which play a critical role in our ecosystems by providing habitat, preventing erosion, filtering pollutants, and reducing flood risks in tidal areas.   

Finally, empowering localities to protect their most sensitive lands from development impacts is important to protecting water quality and reducing nutrient and sediment runoff to the Chesapeake Bay.  

 Thank you for the opportunity to share my views and advocate for the continued protection of wetlands and the Chesapeake Bay.  The Petition seeks to limit local government discretion and should be denied.  

Respectfully, Scott A. Graham