The article outlines a guide focused on tackling legacy pollution in Pennsylvania, emphasizing key recommendations for water infrastructure and quality improvement:
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Funding and Protection: Safeguard the $50 million annual allocation for the Clean Streams Fund and ensure equitable use of American Rescue Plan funds for municipalities in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
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Agency Support: Provide adequate funding for state resource agencies to manage and restore Pennsylvania’s streams effectively.
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River Basin Commission Funding: Reinstate full funding for interstate commissions overseeing Pennsylvania’s watersheds.
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Water Quality Initiatives: Invest in agricultural conservation, clean up abandoned mine lands, and address critical water issues such as lead in school drinking water and the impacts of PFAS.
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Environmental Justice & Public Involvement: Assess cumulative environmental impacts in decision-making and enhance public participation in relevant processes.
- Green Infrastructure: Prioritize stormwater management and combat combined sewer overflows.
The guide is a collaborative effort by the Choose Clean Water Coalition, representing over 320 organizations dedicated to the protection of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
