It has been an incredibly busy two weeks in Washington, DC as lawmakers work to advance legislation before the Memorial Day break. Once they return, the House and Senate will have just 25 and 27 legislative days, respectively, before Congress breaks again for the Republican and Democratic National Conventions in July. In the last 14 days, we've seen major authorizing legislation, including the Water Resources Development Act and appropriations bills move through committee, as well as our very own Delaware River Basin Conservation Act.
Delaware River Basin Conservation Act Advances in Congress
The Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works approved the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act (DRBCA) today by a voice. The DRBCA will now move to the full Senate for consideration and passage. “This is a major step towards passing the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act,” stated Madeline (Maddy) Urbish, Director of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. “We are very encouraged by the Committee’s approval of the bill and we look forward to its passage in the Senate.”
What's Up in DC: National Policy News Update
Keeping up with policy decisions being made at the national level isn't always easy, so we thought it would be helpful to periodically provides some updates on important news coming out of Washington, DC that could impact the Delaware River Watershed. With appropriations season in full-swing, lawmakers in the nation's capital are beginning to slog through the annual process of deciding where the federal government will spend it's money in the coming fiscal year. Though we have faced continuing resolutions, omnibus spending bills, and a government shutdown over the past several years, the appropriations process is nevertheless important to keep an eye on as important policy and funding decisions are made that end up in the final budget. Equally important are the Obama Administration's various actions and spending decisions. While he may be in his final year in office, President Obama has continued pushing forward his agenda to combat climate change and protect and improve water quality.
TU chapters and partners sit down with Congressman Costello
For the past few years, TU has been working with the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed to put the Delaware River basin on the national radar, and ensure that much-needed federal dollars are directed into fish and wildlife habitat restoration and enhancement projects in the basin. Together, we have been advocating for the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act (DRBCA), a bill that would create a non-regulatory, voluntary program within the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to help identify, prioritize and implement projects that enhance fish and wildlife habitat protection and restoration in the basin. On Wednesday night, TU hosted an intimate conservation roundtable discussion focused on the DRBCA in Malvern, Pa., with Congressman Ryan Costello (PA-06) and about 20 people representing 15 local conservation organizations from his district.
Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed Adopts Priorities for 2016
The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed adopted three priorities for 2016 during its Annual Member Meeting yesterday. These priorities will be the main focus of the Coalition and its efforts, though, it will continue to respond to emerging issues as they arise. The priorities identified and adopted through a nomination process in which each member of the Coalition had the opportunity to propose a priority for consideration by the Steering Committee. The top three priorities identified by the Steering Committee were then approved and adopted by the full Coalition.
Full Funding of Land & Water Conservation Fund Included in President's FY2017 Budget
The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed is pleased to see the Obama administration's continued commitment to protecting and restoring our natural resources through a fully funded Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The President's recently announced budget includes $900 million for LWCF, which helps protect working farms and forests, preserve our public lands, and provide access to outdoor recreation areas throughout the country. The LWCF budget is supported by revenue from offshore oil and gas drilling royalties that is deposited into the fund each year, rather than tax-payer dollars.
CDRW Members Sign Letter Calling for Increased Transparency in Delaware River Basin Flow Management
Twenty-one members of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed signed on to a letter requesting a public meeting with the Delaware River Basin Decree Parties regarding the Flexible Flow Management Program (FFMP), which is scheduled for reauthorization in May 2016. The letter encourages the Decree Parties to arrange and attend a meeting with stakeholders in the Upper Delaware and throughout the watershed to discuss the FFMP, and highlights the importance of public participation and transparency in flow management and planning processes that affect the entire watershed.