State Senator Eugene Yaw | Pennsylvania
State Senator Eugene Yaw | Pennsylvania
State Senators Scott Martin (R-13) and Gene Yaw (R-23) have commended a $50 million annual recurring investment in Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Fund, as part of the 2024-25 state budget. The fund, which addresses agricultural conservation, nutrient management, clean water procurement, stormwater management, and acid mine drainage, has been instrumental in reducing pollution to the Chesapeake Bay.
“Clean water is a key contributor to the health of our communities and the quality of life we enjoy,” Martin stated. “We have made tremendous progress in recent years to ensure our water is cleaner and healthier, and I am proud that our state budget makes historic new investments to ensure this progress can continue for many years to come.”
Yaw highlighted the practical benefits of the fund: “The Clean Streams Fund puts money into action by correcting decades of non-point source pollution with innovative solutions, like pay-for-performance and strategic tree planting, without demanding a single additional cent from taxpayers.” He added that such funding would significantly aid in restoring local streams and improving downstream waters like the Chesapeake Bay.
Pennsylvania has more than 85,000 miles of waterways supporting a $26.9 billion outdoor recreation industry and over 390,000 jobs. However, one-third of these streams do not meet water quality standards for drinking, fishing or swimming.
Recent reports indicate progress in water quality improvements. The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s annual report card gave the Chesapeake Bay its best grade in over two decades. Over 967 miles of streams have been restored in Pennsylvania over the past 20 years.
Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, praised Pennsylvania's approach: “Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Fund is an example of that ‘local-first’ approach that will benefit both Pennsylvania and the Bay.”
Senators Martin and Yaw are members of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. For further information on their initiatives, constituents can visit Senator Martin’s website at www.SenatorScottMartinPA.com or Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com.
Contact:
Jason Thompson (Sen. Martin)
717-787-6535
Elizabeth Weitzel (Sen. Yaw)
717-787-3280
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