Watershed constituencies in the Upper Delaware River region in New York State are increasingly adopting a new ethic about the importance of river protection and how that contributes to a healthy business climate in an impoverished area that desperately needs economic revitalization. As the New York State Outreach Lead for the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) is leading the charge in building coalitions, working with landowners, and engaging elected officials in this new dialogue and it is starting to pay off.
Congratulations to Philadelphia Water on 5 Years of Green City, Clean Waters
To many of us, when we think of clean water, the first thing that might come to mind is a trickling, tree-lined stream meandering its way down a hillside. That’s certainly a great example of clean water, and it’s an image that we at PennFuture and our many partners in the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed strive to protect. But, a good deal of work to achieve clean water, especially for our cities’ drinking supplies, is done in urban settings – like the empty lots and crowded alleyways of our urban centers.
CDRW Member Advocates for Act to Support Coal Communities, Environmental Remediation, & Watershed Restoration
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.