WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Advocates are celebrating a $1 million spending increase for key conservation priorities in the Delaware River watershed included in the omnibus spending plan that was just approved by Congress and signed by President Biden.
Representative Dwight Evans, Environmental Advocates Celebrate 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act
Philadelphia, PA — Representative Dwight Evans joined with environmental advocates and the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) at Bartram’s Garden today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Clean Water Act. They highlighted millions of dollars of additional federal and state investments over the past year that will improve water quality in the region and called on Congress to act quickly to pass important legislation that will further protect the drinking water of millions in our region.
Fitzpatrick and Blunt Rochester to Lead Bipartisan Delaware River Watershed Caucus
August 22, 2022
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) has announced Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) as the new Co-Chair of the Congressional Delaware River Watershed Caucus. This bipartisan caucus gives voice to funding and conservation needs throughout the watershed.
Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed Celebrates $14 million in Grants to Improve the Health of the Delaware River Watershed
Wilmington, DE (August 25, 2022) – The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced today 36 Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund awards totaling $14 million, which includes $4.9 million in funds made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Grantees have committed $14.2 million in match, for a total conservation impact of $28.2 million that will restore and protect our land and water resources.
Climate Statement: Inflation Reduction Act
Trenton, NJ (August 16, 2022) - Historic climate legislation, known as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R.5376) was passed in both chambers, and signed into law by President Biden.
“The impacts of climate change are already being seen and felt across the Delaware River Basin, which threaten over 13.3 million people who rely on the waters of the Basin. It is essential that we forge a path forward to reduce the impacts of climate change on our communities and limit the devastation in the future,” said Kelly Knutson, Director of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW). “We applaud Congress in addressing the urgency of a global climate crisis and look forward to supporting the administration on implementation. The Coalition recognizes this step forward and will continue to advocate for additional policies to further protect the region’s natural resources.”
House Passes the Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act
Trenton, NJ (July 21, 2022) - Late last week in a 220-206 vote, the House passed the Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act (DRBCA), included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Coalition applauds the made in order amendment that was offered by Rep Evans (PA), Rep Fitzpatrick (PA) and Rep Blunt Rochester (DE) to the NDAA.
House Passes Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
In a 231-190 vote on June 14, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA).
This legislation will dedicate $1.4 billion annually to proactive, locally-led efforts to recover thousands of at-risk wildlife species, while creating jobs and prioritizing the outdoor recreation economy at a time when our country and planet are facing a biodiversity crisis.
Testimony for the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed
The below testimony from Kelly Knutson, Director of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, was submitted for both hearing records in the Senate Environment and Public Works committee along with the House Natural Resource subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife.
On behalf of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, I write in support of S. 3767 ― the Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act ― which provides a framework and resources for advancing protection and restoration of the ecologically and economically significant Delaware River Basin.