Pennsylvania Statewide Policy Priorities
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A large portion of the pollution that impacts Pennsylvania’s waterways comes from nonpoint source pollution, often taking the form of runoff from agriculture lands and stormwater runoff from developed surfaces.
To mitigate pollution, the Coalition is advocating for a dedicated source of funding for clean water which will support projects that include water quality at all levels in the watershed, benefitting downstream urban communities and rural areas upstream.
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Over the last 15 years, state funding for the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection (DEP) and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has been cut substantially.
DCNR oversees hundreds of programs and parks that benefit rivers, trails, greenways, open space, and natural areas. Maintaining funding for DCNR has a direct impact on the wellbeing the Commonwealth’s water and its recreational, environmental, and economic value.
Cuts in DEP funding are particularly threatening because the agency is tasked with enforcing environmental regulations. Less support for DEP could lead to a higher risk of unchecked pollutants entering our air and waterways and could threaten Pennsylvania’s access to matching federal dollars.
Additionally, CDRW advocates to maintain funding for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) to further support agricultural land preservation and to support farming through assistance programs and education.
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When single-use plastics enter our watersheds, they pose threats to drinking water, wildlife species, and recreational opportunities.
The Coalition will continue to push back against plastic pollution by defending the progress we’ve made at the state level in repealing preemption of local plastic ordinances and returning the right of limiting plastics back to municipal governments and continue to push for progress by supporting local governments in taking action to limit plastic pollution.
CDRW will also aim to support legislation that would phase out single-use plastics through fees, bans, and the implementation of manufacturer responsibility for plastic packaging products.
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The Delaware Basin Commission (DRBC) is a regulatory body operated by Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and the federal government. The DRBC monitors water quality, conducts comprehensive resource planning, and manages drinking water supplies for over 13.3 million Americans.
In 1988, the DRBC commissioners reached an agreement by which states and federal government would appropriate sufficient funds in their annual budgets to support the functions of the commission, yet Pennsylvania has not contributed its fair share of funding since 2014.
The Coalition is engaging members to ensure Pennsylvania begins appropriating more funds in its annual budget toward the DRBC so that this key collaborative agency can continue protecting the health and availability of Pennsylvania’s water.
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The Pennsylvania Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit has a direct impact on land development activities, restoration of impaired waters, and municipal land use policies, especially in developed regions where it is often a nexus with other environmental justice issues.
In 2022 there will be a significant opportunity to advocate for water quality protection and improvement in developed regions of the Delaware River Watershed in Pennsylvania by collectively engaging during public comment opportunities for the Pennsylvania Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) program.
The Coalition will work to identify and request needed changes to MS4 policy, as well as and seek input on these changes through member engagement.
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The Coalition actively supports the advancement of rulemaking that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from Pennsylvania's electric power sector by allowing Pennsylvania to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
This policy will help move the state forward in implementing comprehensive strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Commonwealth, a major factor in climate change.
CDRW and it’s partners were successful in securing Pennsylvania’s involvement in RGGI in early 2022, and the Coalition will plan to advocate for the investment of funds generated from RGGI into environmental justice and energy communities.
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Pennsylvania Joins 11 Other States in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)