(Harrisburg, PA) - July 11, 2022 - Governor Tom Wolf signed Pennsylvania’s 2023 budget into law on Friday, notably falling short of the Commonwealth’s commitment to fully fund the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC). Despite the Governor’s initial budget proposal to fully fund the DRBC with more than the $893,000 that the Commonwealth agreed to, negotiations cut funding to $217,000, the same level that Pennsylvania has been funding the Commission at since 2014.
PENNSYLVANIA STATE BUDGET INCLUDES HISTORIC INVESTMENTS IN CLEAN WATER
(HARRISBURG, PA)—Today, Pennsylvania's General Assembly passed a new state budget that includes historic funding for the program formerly called Growing Greener, as well as the new Clean Streams Fund program. Collectively, these two programs will invest $696 million from the American Rescue Plan to protect and restore Pennsylvania's waterways.
New Jersey to Fully Fund Delaware River Basin Commission in 2023 Budget
On Behalf of Coalition Staff – Statement on SCOTUS Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade
Statement on behalf of staff at the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed:
Together, we stand in solidarity against the reversal of Roe v. Wade, a violation against reproductive rights, which have been guaranteed to the American people for almost half a century. Our hearts and minds are with all those affected by this devastating blow to women and birthing people’s right to bodily autonomy – the human right to make decisions over one’s own life and future.
10 Years of Impact: A Letter from the Director
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.
Making the Case for Clean Water: PA's Growing Greener III & The Clean Streams Fund
By High Garst, State Policy Advocate, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed
Budget season in Harrisburg, PA is often marked by the busy hustle and bustle of the Capitol Building filled with advocates, lawmakers, citizens, and staff. Significant budget surplus in this year’s budget has left room to ensure funding of a number of projects in the state, but on June 8, people in Harrisburg turned their attention to the necessity of clean water funding in this year’s budget.