HARRISBURG — PA state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Chair and a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, released the following statement in response to the EPA Region 3 evaluation of Pennsylvania’s Draft Amended Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan.
“It is disappointing that Pennsylvania continues to fall short of its obligations to our downstream neighbors. More importantly, if we are not sending clean water downstream, it means we don’t have clean water here at home. As noted today by EPA, one-third of Pennsylvania’s own streams and rivers do not meet water quality standards. EPA’s intent to apply consequences statewide for the Chesapeake Bay shortfall, instead of just in the Bay watershed, recognizes that we need to take a hard look at how Pennsylvania prioritizes our own water resources.
I am proud to sponsor two legislative initiatives mentioned in the EPA evaluation: comprehensive fertilizer legislation (SB 251) and establishment of a new Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) (SB 465). Additionally, a new Clean Streams Fund (SB 832) sponsored by me, Senator Dan Laughlin (District 49) and my Chesapeake Bay Commission colleague Senator Scott Martin (District 13), would provide funding for ACAP and other programmatic enhancements recommended in the evaluation. I look forward to working with our legislative colleagues and the governor to finally get these bills over the finish line this year.”
CONTACT:
Marel King, Pennsylvania Director
Chesapeake Bay Commission