Scrapbook Photo 03/17/24 - 120 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/33kb5tpe
CBF-PA: Wolf’s Budget Lacks Adequate Investments To Meet PA’s Clean Water Commitments

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Tuesday issued the following statement from Pennsylvania Executive Director Harry Campbell, in response to Gov.Tom Wolf's budget proposal for fiscal year 2017-18--

"Roughly 19,000 miles of Pennsylvania's rivers and streams—nearly one in four—are harmed by pollution, putting human health at risk and damaging local economies.

"Since the Commonwealth committed to a new clean water strategy for its citizens and the people downstream, this is the second consecutive budget that has not included adequate investment in pollution reduction.

"The DEP has stated that Pennsylvania will not meet its Clean Water Blueprint goal of having practices in place to reduce pollution by 60 percent by the end of 2017. The lack of investment is an affront to all who care about safe water.

"CBF's State of the Bay indicates that the Clean Water Blueprint is improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay. But Pennsylvania lags far behind the other principle Bay states. Pennsylvania will only be successful with sustainable investments in the right places and on the right practices.

"We urge our legislators to find additional revenue streams so the Commonwealth can meet the commitment it made to its citizens to help restore and protect our rivers and streams.

"Investing in clean water pays dividends. A 2014 economic analysis found that fully implementing Pennsylvania's Clean Water Blueprint will result in an increase in the value of natural benefits, such as reduced flooding and more productive farms, by $6.2 billion annually.

"Clean water is a legacy worth leaving future generations. The health, way of life, and economic well-being of every Pennsylvanian depend on it."

For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA webpage.  Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left column).  Click Here for a copy of CBF-PA’s most recent newsletter.

Related Stories:

Growing Greener Coalition: Wolf Budget Falls Short In Protecting Water, Natural Resources

Gov. Wolf Proposes New Budget With Little New For The Environment

Welcome To 1994! Tools For Evaluating Gov. Wolf’s 2017-18 Environmental Funding Request

Updated Regulatory Agenda: DEP To Consider At Least 5 Fee Increase Regs This Year

EPA: DEP Lacks Resources To Enforce Minimum Federal Safe Drinking Water Regs

Growing Greener Coalition Urges More State Investment In Green Infrastructure

Natural Gas Impact Fee Revenue Shrinks Another $13.1 Million  For 2016

[Posted: Feb. 7, 2017]


2/13/2017

Go To Preceding Article     Go To Next Article

Return to This PA Environment Digest's Main Page