Funding for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program was approved by the House Appropriations Committee today. This is an important step in the federal budgeting process that will allow money to flow to on-the-ground restoration projects throughout the Delaware River Watershed.
EPA Moves to Rollback Clean Water Protections
Today, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced the agency is moving forward with a rule to rescind the 2015 Clean Water Rule. The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, led by New Jersey Audubon and National Wildlife Federation, and its partners are deeply dismayed by this action. Repealing the Clean Water Rule threatens the water resources of the entire nation, including the Delaware River Watershed, which supplies clean and reliable drinking water to over 15 million people.
Update: NYC Reaches Voluntary Agreement with DE, PA and NY State
Basin States and NYC Fail to Reach Agreement on Water Resources Management
Conservation in the Delaware at Stake in Trump Administration Budget Proposal
President Trump released a more detailed budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2018 recommending severe cuts to the Department of Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency, among other areas. If enacted, these reductions would result in the elimination of funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Chesapeake Bay Program, and other geographic watershed programs, as well as the National Estuary Program and critical water quality research and support grants that go directly to the states. This would halt critical work around the country that has shown real success in protecting, preserving, and restoring our nation’s waters.
Firm stance on Flexible Flow Management Plan could have big impacts for the Delaware River
The management of the New York City Delaware River reservoirs near the top of the watershed has many implications for the entire basin. Water releases from the reservoirs are used to meet downstream flow targets, repel the northward migration of the salt front from the Delaware Bay, maximize recreational opportunities, and ensure healthy aquatic habitat.
Coalition Recieves Special Recognition Award for DRBCA Efforts
Presidential Budget Takes Aim at Restoration Programs Nationwide
Yesterday, President Trump released his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2018 recommending the elimination of funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Chesapeake Bay Program, and other geographic watershed programs – a total reduction of $427 million from last year’s support. This would bring to a standstill these critical programs aimed at protecting, preserving, and restoring our nation's waters.