{"id":12423,"date":"2020-01-09T11:00:15","date_gmt":"2020-01-09T16:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paawwa.org\/?p=12423"},"modified":"2020-01-09T11:00:15","modified_gmt":"2020-01-09T16:00:15","slug":"outreach-needed-senate-environmental-committee-puts-spotlight-on-funding-needed-to-implement-pa-clean-water-plan-at-chesapeake-bay-briefing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/outreach-needed-senate-environmental-committee-puts-spotlight-on-funding-needed-to-implement-pa-clean-water-plan-at-chesapeake-bay-briefing\/","title":{"rendered":"OUTREACH NEEDED &#8211; Senate Environmental Committee Puts Spotlight On Funding Needed To Implement PA Clean Water Plan At Chesapeake Bay Briefing"},"content":{"rendered":"<table style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td>\n<h2 style=\"font-style: inherit; font-weight: 400;\" data-thread-perm-id=\"thread-f:1655194752319073594\" data-legacy-thread-id=\"16f86edb8e11ad3a\">OUTREACH NEEDED &#8211; Senate Environmental Committee Puts Spotlight On Funding Needed To Implement PA Clean Water Plan At Chesapeake Bay Briefing<\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td rowspan=\"2\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>See article below about today\u2019s hearing \u2013 The Chesapeake Bay Commission\u00a0<u>continues to push for water use fees<\/u>\u00a0(see Ann Swanson testimony below) to pay for the bay cleanup.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Any such funding proposal will move quickly and quietly so it is\u00a0<strong>imperative that each drinking water system reach out to their state legislators ASAP<\/strong>\u00a0and let them know how you feel about such a fee and what its impact will be.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Materials needed:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Identify the state House and Senate members representing your water system:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Click on the following link to identify your legislators:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/zipstickers.mypls.com\/LookUp.aspx?cid=200030\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/zipstickers.mypls.com\/LookUp.aspx?cid%3D200030&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753983000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGYHiPgGlV0f1n6_GKYZPdrBPLPIw\">http:\/\/zipstickers.mypls.com\/LookUp.aspx?cid=200030<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Simply type in your home and\/or work address and this link will direct you to your legislators (both state and federal legislators are included, but you only need to contact your state legislators).\u00a0\u00a0<strong>It provides contact information, including an e-mail address, for their Capitol and District offices<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Send an e-mail or call the office.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Make your voice be heard!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Senate Environmental Committee Puts Spotlight On Funding Needed To Implement PA Clean Water Plan At Chesapeake Bay Briefing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On January 8, the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGXvzHKQxeioTH3p3tvYUxHnmFzWQ\">Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee<\/a>\u00a0put a spotlight on the resources needed to implement\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dep.pa.gov\/Business\/Water\/Pennsylvania%E2%80%99s%20Chesapeake%20Bay%20Program%20Office\/WIP3\/Pages\/Phase-III-WIP-(Watershed-Implementation-Plans).aspx\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.dep.pa.gov\/Business\/Water\/Pennsylvania%25E2%2580%2599s%2520Chesapeake%2520Bay%2520Program%2520Office\/WIP3\/Pages\/Phase-III-WIP-(Watershed-Implementation-Plans).aspx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHJksUFQFJZyr8uzbtL564uJGDGdQ\">Pennsylvania\u2019s Clean Water Plan to meet Chesapeake Bay cleanup obligations<\/a>\u00a0at a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/010820\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/010820\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHQeeF3QK02HWFZkckggmJcsg-8pA\">special public briefing held<\/a>\u00a0in conjunction with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmshow.pa.gov\/Pages\/default.aspx\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.farmshow.pa.gov\/Pages\/default.aspx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGpQEhj8p5s11EszvH2016vJQvc_Q\">PA Farm Show<\/a>\u00a0in Harrisburg<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Committee heard from representatives of the interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission, PA Farm Bureau, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, the departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection and the State Conservation Commission which administers programs supporting county conservation districts.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>There were three things participants agreed on&#8211;<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8212; We Have A Credible Plan:<\/strong>\u00a0The Phase III Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan submitted to EPA showing how Pennsylvania would meet its water quality cleanup obligations was built from the ground up, based on significant local input and buy-in and represents the most credible plan ever developed by the state.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8212; We Need More Resources:\u00a0<\/strong>Many more resources were needed to implement the stakeholder-backed recommendations in the Plan, including help for farmers to install conservation practices, for communities to deal with issues like stormwater and to provide incentives for installing riparian stream buffers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8212; Momentum:\u00a0<\/strong>As a result of the stakeholder process that was used to develop the WIP III Plan and other issues,\u00a0there is now momentum and energy building to address clean water issues in the General Assembly and across the state.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>At the start of the briefing, Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Committee and the incoming Chair of the interstate\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.chesbay.us\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.chesbay.us\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEQTLmxqRoOEsiJTGZ5bs9DpkcNmw\">Chesapeake Bay Commission<\/a>\u00a0said&#8211;\u00a0 \u201cWe have more attention on clean water issues now in the General Assembly than we\u2019ve had at any time I can remember.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI do know one thing, if we have clean water in Pennsylvania, the Bay will take care of itself.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In the announcement of the briefing, Sen. Yaw said, \u201cBased on extensive testing and undertakings, we know where the problems are in the watershed.\u00a0 Without question, we face significant challenges in meeting the EPA TMDL requirements.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe just need the time and, most importantly, the resources to address those problem areas.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a quick summary of some of the comments made by participants in the briefing.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2020\/01\/01.08.20-PA-Senate-ERE-Bay-Briefing.pdf\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2020\/01\/01.08.20-PA-Senate-ERE-Bay-Briefing.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF8H_MhbKH6IKvp-6Ie6o_B_lGDYA\"><strong>Ann Swanson<\/strong><\/a>, Executive Director of the interstate\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.chesbay.us\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.chesbay.us\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEQTLmxqRoOEsiJTGZ5bs9DpkcNmw\">Chesapeake Bay Commission<\/a>, started her remarks by agreeing with Sen. Yaw and repeated, if we have clean water in Pennsylvania we will have a clean Chesapeake Bay.\u00a0 That\u2019s how important Pennsylvania is.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Chesapeake Bay Watershed covers 50 percent of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania contributes 50 percent of the Bay\u2019s fresh water.\u00a0 It is responsible for 43 percent of the nitrogen and 26 percent of the phosphorus pollution load going to the Bay.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Since 1985, Pennsylvania has reduced its nitrogen by 14.6 million pounds, more than any other state in the watershed, because Pennsylvania has the biggest problem.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Swanson said, essentially money buys progress in reducing nutrient pollution.\u00a0\u00a0Other states in the watershed have dedicated funding sources to address these issues and Pennsylvania does not.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Swanson said there are a variety of options for dedicated funding, including\u00a0<strong>water use fees<\/strong>,\u00a0eliminating the sales tax exclusion for bottled water and joining the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=47920&amp;SubjectID=8\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID%3D47920%26SubjectID%3D8&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFFKo3Js6Tq79wXF1E2VMiosXwdUQ\">Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>But she also noted funding is not only needed in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, but statewide, because Pennsylvania has more streams almost all other states [and\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=46412&amp;SubjectID=85\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID%3D46412%26SubjectID%3D85&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFONykhe6RgJIcHBbb5sim_fHE0aA\">40 percent do not meet current water quality standards<\/a>].<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[<strong>Note:<\/strong>\u00a0On January 24, 2017, Sen. Yaw and other Pennsylvania members of the Chesapeake Bay Commission wrote to all members of the General Assembly putting a spotlight on the need to address the state\u2019s water pollution cleanup problem and suggested creating a dedicated Clean Water Fund for Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[One proposal outlined in the letter was to raise $245 million a year through a fee on water use.\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=38575&amp;SubjectID=202\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID%3D38575%26SubjectID%3D202&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG7um6S6DRkkjMvtttEF9DhrZDMRw\"><em>Click Here for more<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[The stakeholder-driven\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=47573&amp;SubjectID=202\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID%3D47573%26SubjectID%3D202&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGO4_JNDWlv2675tPKoKrhNy9yt-g\">Phase III Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan<\/a>\u00a0submitted by Pennsylvania to EPA identifies the need for $324 million a year in funding to support direct financial incentives, technical assistance and other measures to implement the Plan.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[On December 19, the Environmental Protection Agency notified Pennsylvania the plan it submitted falls 25 percent short of meeting the necessary nutrient reduction goals and falls to identify funding to implement the plan.\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=48591&amp;SubjectID=202\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID%3D48591%26SubjectID%3D202&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFoO_iE8Z8wkKS_wddM06qC1tAnZg\"><em>Click Here for more<\/em><\/a>.]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2020\/01\/01.08.20-Written-Statement-to-Senate-ERE-Committee-Graybill-Testimony-of-Jan-8-2020.pdf\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2020\/01\/01.08.20-Written-Statement-to-Senate-ERE-Committee-Graybill-Testimony-of-Jan-8-2020.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNELd2vaCoUwS6IR--RPlmVceg7iTw\"><strong>David Graybill<\/strong><\/a>, a Juniata County dairy farmer, a member of the WIP III Agriculture Workgroup and a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pfb.com\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.pfb.com\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFOzXxIHvCqeMygAteHOUvx-Eg2Yg\">PA Farm Bureau<\/a>\u00a0Board member, said \u201clike many farmers I know and work with, I take conservation seriously. We cannot operate profitable farms without fertile topsoil and clean water.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe best way we can maintain fertile ground is to make sure that our topsoil stays in place. With the help of farm advisors, I have implemented numerous conservation practices to prevent runoff.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI routinely plant cover crops to make sure that there is always something growing on our fields&#8211; especially during the winter and spring seasons. I also routinely test our soil to monitor the amount of organic matter and ensure that we are not over applying nutrients.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn addition, I have installed a leak detection system on my manure pit to monitor for the potential of seepage. Our barnyard and barn roofs have systems in place that direct stormwater into grassy areas.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe steps that I have taken are not unique approaches. Throughout the state of Pennsylvania, you will see farmers like me implementing programs to control runoff and prevent soil loss.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese practices have proven track records of success and can help farmers with their bottom line.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOn a broader scale, it also shows that agriculture can implement practices that have positive results on local waterways.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProductive farms, and clean water, can coexist. In fact, one of the state\u2019s largest dairy farms is located next to a world-renowned trout stream in Huntingdon County. Anyone who fishes for trout know these fish are an excellent indicator of clean water.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA substantial portion of the conservation measures implemented on farms have been paid for by farmers\u2019 own money, without government financial assistance. This speaks to the conservation ethic that is present in so many farm families.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was made clear during numerous meetings I attended in formulating our Watershed Implementation Plan is that Pennsylvania will have to demonstrate a good faith effort at making progress toward nutrient reduction goals.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHowever, additional state resources will be needed to achieve that progress, along with changes in laws and regulations. According to our Watershed Implementation Plan,\u00a0we are facing a $324 million funding gap between money currently available and what is needed to pay for the conservation measures that will get us to Bay goals by EPA\u2019s 2025 deadline.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn particular, there is a real lack of on-the-ground expertise to assist farmers, be it private consultants or those working for conservation districts, to help farmers design and implement the projects needed to move Pennsylvania meaningfully toward reaching water quality goals in the Bay watershed.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEqually problematic in financing and implementing the type and scale of conservation measures needed in Pennsylvania\u2019s Bay watershed is the current condition of Pennsylvania\u2019s farm economy. Pennsylvania farmers are facing serious economic hardship. Anyone who has been watching the farm economy knows that farmers across the state are losing money.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLosses experienced on Pennsylvania farms likely cause many important farm projects, even necessary repairs, to be postponed. This is not the kind of economy that is going to encourage out-of-pocket conservation work\u2014even the type that may improve the farm\u2019s bottom line long term.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGiven the current condition of the agriculture economy, grants and tax credits are how farmers will fund best management practices. In the future, low-interest loans could be of help, but many farmers have extended their debt load well beyond a point of being comfortable and are hesitant to take on any more loans. It\u2019s our hope that Pennsylvania will at least provide the same level of investment in farm conservation in this year\u2019s budget.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201c&#8230; (W)e support\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=48308\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID%3D48308&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG9pzSMNQLTwEZwIm6Y8J7mCZdhmQ\">Senate Bill 679 [Yaw-R-Lycoming]<\/a>, which this Committee recently passed with bipartisan support. This legislation will give county governments the authority to create stream cleaning programs. Our members continue to experience problems with their lands and crops being washed away during heavy rain events.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSecondly, on the issue of stormwater, we are finding that farmers are being unfairly penalized by efforts to create municipal stormwater management systems. Municipalities throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed have enacted stormwater management programs, and are collecting fees to pay for engineering\u2014and eventually for projects.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSuch a fee structure ignores all the conservation measures that farmers have put in place to manage erosion and stormwater runoff. It also ignores the natural benefit that open farm land provides in controlling stormwater. The percentage of impervious surface to total land area on farms is much lower than the percentage of impervious surface to total land area commonly existing on residential properties.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have been working with Senator Lisa Baker [R-Luzerne] to introduce legislation that will change how municipalities assess stormwater fees on agriculture properties. Essentially, the legislation would limit the amount of fee a farmer is assessed based on average fees being assessed on residential properties\u2014provided that the operator can demonstrate that less than 30 percent of the farm\u2019s total land area is impervious.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd it would provide additional credits to farmers who make additional investments in projects to improve water quality.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo matter the mandates in the Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan, farmers in Pennsylvania will continue to act as good stewards of the land. We are the original conservationists. Farmers have long recognized that a healthy farm is created by fertile soil and clean water.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe recognize there are steps that every Pennsylvanian living in the Bay watershed will have to do to address water quality\u2014whether its keeping livestock out of streams or not over applying fertilizer to front lawns. Pennsylvania farmers are committed to working towards those goals.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2020\/01\/bill_chain.pdf\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2020\/01\/bill_chain.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFTp2ulu5DeqgzhNpEvSRlb0UF7Tg\"><strong>Bill Chain<\/strong><\/a>, Senior Ag Program Manager,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbf.org\/about-cbf\/locations\/pennsylvania\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.cbf.org\/about-cbf\/locations\/pennsylvania\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFs5Rv2L7n6nNjsOMv1fu8QNvFiew\">Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA<\/a>, there are many things that are working in the current Chesapeake Bay Program, including many farmers who voluntarily adopt conservation practices and spend their own money to do it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In a mix of his presentation before the Committee and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2020\/01\/bill_chain.pdf\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2020\/01\/bill_chain.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753984000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFTp2ulu5DeqgzhNpEvSRlb0UF7Tg\">written notes submitted to the Committee<\/a>, Chain said&#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve never met a farmer that didn\u2019t want to leave the farm better than they found it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Chain said what we need is for our legislature to join in.\u00a0 We need Leadership, Commitment and Investment. You need to invest in the practices that have the lowest cost and highest value and return.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s needed is for our state government to recognize the effort that currently exists and to enhance that effort with a commitment to legislating and funding an\u00a0Ag Conservation Costs Share Program\u00a0that includes the essential resources to implement conservation practices on the scale necessary.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Program should&#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&#8212; Follow the\u00a0Agriculture Work Group recommendations in the WIP III<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&#8212; Provides equitable funding that works and acts locally, provides cost-share for practices that also improve the economic viability for the family farmer.<\/p>\n<p>This program will not be cheap, it will be an investment.<\/p>\n<p>Chain said there is momentum right now in this program and we need to take advantage of that.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Russell Redding<\/strong>, Secretary Of Agriculture, said Pennsylvania is at \u201ca very serious moment,\u201d we\u2019ve gone through a process to produce a very credible WIP III Plan with the Steering Committee, all the Work Groups and arrived at a credible plan that is key to Pennsylvania\u2019s agriculture\u2019s future.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>He noted the theme of the PA Farm Show&#8211; Imagine the Opportunities&#8211; and added now Imagine the Opportunities for Clean Water and for Pennsylvania agriculture.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Redding said Pennsylvania will be called upon as never before to deliver on the stakeholder-driven recommendations in the WIP Plan. We have more clarity today on which Best Management Practices deliver the most results and their cost.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>But, to get the job done, Redding said, this can\u2019t just fall on agriculture.\u00a0 It\u2019s also the application of fertilizer on laws and expressed appreciation to\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=48594&amp;SubjectID=202\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID%3D48594%26SubjectID%3D202&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG2syOBYw9KfRnABusGXjrckdr1LQ\">Sen. Yaw for introducing Senate Bill 915<\/a>\u00a0which would certify applicators, establish best management practices for fertilizer use and provide for an education program on those practices.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have the right plan at the right moment, now we need time and money, as Sen. Yaw pointed out,\u201d agreed Redding.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>On the funding issue, Redding noted\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=45667&amp;SubjectID=195\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID%3D45667%26SubjectID%3D195&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHxuF5qKwXy0zzgLQ3Jq8Z9Q8MLsQ\">Gov. Wolf proposed Restore PA<\/a>\u00a0to help fund Best Management Practices in the WIP III Plan and statewide that are critical to agriculture.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Patrick McDonnell<\/strong>, Secretary of DEP, said every time he hears the word \u201cchallenge\u201d he inserts opportunities with respect to clean water in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>He explained in Virginia, the nutrient problem is almost all from wastewater plants, in Maryland it is 50-50&#8211; agriculture and wastewater plants&#8211; and in Pennsylvania is 80 percent from agriculture and 20 percent from wastewater plants.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>McDonnell said the wastewater sector has met the obligation in the Bay because funding was provided by PennVEST, the H2O Program and local sources.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>He said as we address the Bay issues, we are not only solving the nutrient pollution problems, we are also addressing stormwater and flooding and improving agriculture soil health.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>McDonnell said the partnership with conservation districts and the Department of Agriculture is critical to addressing this issue.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>He noted the shortfall in funding to implement the stakeholder-driven WIP III Plan is $324 million annually.\u00a0 He said they have not only looked for ways to PennVEST and other existing funding resources to address this gap, but to building partnerships with agencies like the Fish and Boat Commission to restore streams and watersheds.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>DEP is also using available federal funding more effectively, in particular to help the four pilot counties&#8211; Lancaster, Adams, Franklin and York&#8211; implement the county-based clean water plans they developed as part of the Bay process.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>McDonnell also agreed momentum is building citing the county-based clean water planning process that is the foundation of the WIP III Plan.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve\u00a0 created a real interest and energy in addressing clean water, and this is the time to take advantage of the energy to implement WIP III,\u201d McDonnell said.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The WIP III builds on a\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=45998&amp;SubjectID=202\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID%3D45998%26SubjectID%3D202&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF8aoC_Zr1IzNIYqTvtncY0btkkyA\">county-level clean water planning model<\/a>\u00a0to develop locally focused plans with local stakeholders that know about local resources and where additional resources are needed to supplement that effort.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Karl Brown<\/strong>; Executive Secretary of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.agriculture.pa.gov\/Plants_Land_Water\/StateConservationCommission\/Pages\/default.aspx\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.agriculture.pa.gov\/Plants_Land_Water\/StateConservationCommission\/Pages\/default.aspx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGjaCA_O53qnNGj1gL3V7NAIol22Q\">State Conservation Commission<\/a>, said the WIP III is a good Plan, has a good focus and it has a level of local input and local buy-in that he has not seen before.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>He then gave a status report on the Conservation Excellence Program that was adopted as part of the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=45798&amp;SubjectID=202\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.paenvironmentdigest.com\/newsletter\/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID%3D45798%26SubjectID%3D202&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHcqdlORZwU6s1wUQ3RB48SfV6RuA\">PA Farm Bill initiatives<\/a>\u00a0enacted last year to provide an additional $6 million in grant assistance, Agri-Link loans and to expand and change the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.agriculture.pa.gov\/Plants_Land_Water\/StateConservationCommission\/REAP\/Pages\/default.aspx\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.agriculture.pa.gov\/Plants_Land_Water\/StateConservationCommission\/REAP\/Pages\/default.aspx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGXDr73V-pat420H-VL7bkeWp8DXQ\">REAP farm conservation tax credit<\/a>\u00a0to support on-farm conservation practices.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Brown said they are looking at a pilot Conservation Excellence Program in Lancaster and York counties delegated from the Commission to the county conservation districts.\u00a0 Up to $1 million in cost share and $250,000 each for technical assistance and oversight of the program will be available to the counties..<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Guidelines will be published shortly on the Program as well as a Conservation Financial Educator&#8217;s Package to share more information about the programs now available to support farmers.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/010820\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/010820\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE-oF1y-Kg0sjq6n5p1PB-7FbIHyA\">Click Here for copies of written testimony<\/a>.\u00a0 A video of the briefing will be available later in the day\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/010820\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/010820\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE-oF1y-Kg0sjq6n5p1PB-7FbIHyA\">on the Committee webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>For more information on how Pennsylvania plans to meet its Chesapeake Bay cleanup obligations, visit DEP\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dep.pa.gov\/Business\/Water\/Pennsylvania%E2%80%99s%20Chesapeake%20Bay%20Program%20Office\/WIP3\/Pages\/Phase-III-WIP-(Watershed-Implementation-Plans).aspx\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.dep.pa.gov\/Business\/Water\/Pennsylvania%25E2%2580%2599s%2520Chesapeake%2520Bay%2520Program%2520Office\/WIP3\/Pages\/Phase-III-WIP-(Watershed-Implementation-Plans).aspx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE21qr5pYotaKZGkNRMGU61hrqu3g\">PA\u2019s Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan<\/a>\u00a0webpage.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/33XbtXa\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/bit.ly\/33XbtXa&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEp36r2Tbs5ZmKg7QQcjDKI_BkDcA\">Click Here for a summary of the steps the Plan recommends<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/environmental.pasenategop.com\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFUHsUtXbRH92lRD3lj3j6d_iStVw\">Senate Environmental Committee<\/a>\u00a0and can be contacted by calling 717-787-3280 or sending email to:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/null\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/null&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEB37KZToBq3R30Zb2cUeZWGA5fNQ\">gyaw@pasen.gov<\/a>. \u00a0 Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by calling 717-787-7305 or sending email to:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/null\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/null&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEB37KZToBq3R30Zb2cUeZWGA5fNQ\">senatorsantarsiero@pasenate.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Source:\u00a0 PA Environmental Digest Blog, 1\/8\/2020\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com\/2020\/01\/senate-environmental-committee-puts.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PaEnvironmentDaily+%28PA+Environment+Daily+Blog%29\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com\/2020\/01\/senate-environmental-committee-puts.html?utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BPaEnvironmentDaily%2B%2528PA%2BEnvironment%2BDaily%2BBlog%2529&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1578671753985000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGeqBw9RBQst2gwwaoByyRBcVpD0w\">http:\/\/paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com\/2020\/01\/senate-environmental-committee-puts.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PaEnvironmentDaily+%28PA+Environment+Daily+Blog%29<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Erik A. Ross<\/p>\n<p>Senior Associate<\/p>\n<p>Milliron &amp; Goodman Government Relations, LLC.<\/p>\n<p>200 North 3<sup>rd<\/sup>\u00a0Street<\/p>\n<p>Suite 1500<\/p>\n<p>Harrisburg, PA 17101<\/p>\n<p>Phone:\u00a0 717-232-5322<\/p>\n<p>Cell:\u00a0 717-574-3963<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"mailto:erik@millirongoodman.com\">erik@millirongoodman.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>OUTREACH NEEDED &#8211; Senate Environmental Committee Puts Spotlight On Funding Needed To Implement PA Clean Water Plan At Chesapeake Bay Briefing &nbsp; See article below about today\u2019s hearing \u2013 The Chesapeake Bay Commission\u00a0continues to push for water use fees\u00a0(see Ann Swanson testimony below) to pay for the bay cleanup. &nbsp; Any such funding proposal will [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[6,14,7,5,11,10],"tags":[],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12423"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12423"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12423\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12424,"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12423\/revisions\/12424"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12423"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12423"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12423"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}