Abandoned mine reclamation is important to water quality and our watershed for many reasons. First, it prevents clean surface water flowing through areas impacted by mining from becoming polluted with trace metals and other contaminants from abandoned stripping operations and pits that dot the Anthracite landscapes of Northeastern PA.
What's Up in DC: National Policy News
As Congress prepares to break for the 2016 election, it is the perfect to time to provide an update on what’s up in DC. Between the passage of major water resources legislation, a continuing resolution to keep the government funded though the election, and a major court case, this has been a busy month.
Senate Passes Delaware River Basin Conservation Act
Coalition Sends Letter of Support for Water Resources Development Act
On September 9, 2016, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed sent a letter supporting the Water Resources Development Act to Senate leadership. The letter expresses support for the its authorization of the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program, as well as other important water infrastructure investments and provisions that promote sustainable water management.
Clean Water: Delaware’s Clear Choice
By Delaware Nature Society
Many of Delaware’s waterways, in both the Delaware River Watershed and Chesapeake Bay, are polluted due to failing infrastructure, population growth, and legacy contamination from chemicals, pesticides, and other harmful substances. Adding to the problem, funding for programs related to updating infrastructure, protecting lands, and cleaning up legacy pollution have stayed stagnate, dwindled, or were eliminated altogether. While the state has made great strides to address water quality impairments, there are still millions of dollars worth of projects and infrastructure that need to be funded. The good news is Delawareans resoundingly believe its residents and government can work together to improve the quality of our water! According to a 2014 poll, 82% of Delawareans believe the pollution problem in Delaware’s waterways can be improved and think the State of Delaware can do more.
NJ Open Space Preservation Funds Finally Flowing
By Bill Leavens
Last month, Governor Christie and the Legislature reached an agreement on open space funding that is a clear victory for the State and for the Delaware River Watershed, as well as for bipartisanship and democracy. After a year and a half of hard work by a diverse coalition of concerned organizations - including multiple groups who are also members of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed - this agreement, the Preserve New Jersey Act (S2456), will ensure that consistent funding is available to preserve open space, farmland, and historic sites throughout New Jersey. This bill protects drinking water from contamination, reduces air pollution, provides recreational opportunities, and improves quality of life.
What's Up in DC: National Policy News
Congress is back in session following the July 4th break and will be in town for the next two weeks before leaving again on July 15th for the national political conventions. The frequent breaks, however, have not slowed down many legislators who are trying to get important work done before the election and end of this session. Before leaving the nation’s capitol, Senator Inhofe (R-OK) once again advocated for a vote on the Water Resources Development Act, and the Senate Appropriations committee advanced its Interior Appropriations bill. While the House took an extended recess following a sit-in staged by Democrats, the Watershed’s very own Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) introduced legislation to reform the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Now that Congress is back in session, members have gotten back to work quickly with the House passing several land management bills just this week.
What's Up in DC: National Policy News Update
While Congress has largely turned its attention to appropriations before leaving town for the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, several major pieces of bi-partisan legislation have been approved in both the House and Senate and were signed into law by President Obama. Additionally, activity in the courts is having a significant impact on environmental regulation, including a victory for the clean water rule and a setback for fracking regulation on federal lands. Clean water and environmental issues will continue to be a major focus throughout the remaining months of 2016 with upcoming court decisions, appropriation bills, and authorizing legislation such as the Water Resources Development Act.