skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

SCOTUS skeptical that state abortion bans conflict with federal health care law; Iowa advocates for immigrants push back on Texas-style deportation bill; new hearings, same arguments on both sides for ND pipeline project; clean-air activists to hold "die-in" Friday at LA City Hall.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

"Squad" member Summer Lee wins her primary with a pro-peace platform, Biden signs huge foreign aid bills including support for Ukraine and Israel, and the Arizona House repeals an abortion ban as California moves to welcome Arizona doctors.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The urban-rural death divide is widening for working-age Americans, many home internet connections established for rural students during COVID have been broken, and a new federal rule aims to put the "public" back in public lands.

PA Falling Short of EPA Water Milestones

play audio
Play

Monday, June 20, 2016   

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania is falling behind in its efforts to clean up water flowing into the Chesapeake Bay.

Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia are supposed to achieve 60 percent of court ordered Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction goals by 2017.

But according to Harry Campbell, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Pennsylvania office, an assessment released Friday by the Environmental Protection Agency shows the state is only on track to meet that goal for reducing sediment pollution.

"But is languishing significantly behind on its efforts to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, mainly from agricultural runoff sources," he adds.

States have until 2025 to have full pollution-reduction practices in place. The EPA can apply sanctions if goals are not being met, and the agency did withhold, and then release, $2.9 million in funding last year.

The Susquehanna River is the largest source of pollution flowing into the bay. In January, the state unveiled a clean water reboot plan that Campbell says could get pollution reduction efforts back on track.

"But unfortunately, without the necessary funding it will not succeed,” he explains. “And sadly, it is still unclear when or if those vital resources will be made available."

The EPA recommends inspecting 10 percent of the 33,000 farms in the watershed every year, but the state Department of Environmental Protection doesn't have enough inspectors to do that.

Campbell points out the know how is there. Much of the science and technology needed to reach the EPA goals was developed right here in Pennsylvania.

"What we lack is the leadership, the commitment and the investment to do what needs to be done, and clean our waters, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay," he states.

Campbell says Pennsylvania needs to take decisive action now, before the EPA does it for the state.





get more stories like this via email

more stories
Creedon Newell practices teaching construction skills in Wyoming's new career and technical educator bridge course, designed to encourage trades students and professionals to pursue a career in CTE teaching. (Photo by Rob Hill)

Social Issues

play sound

By Lane Wendell Fischer for the Shasta Scout via The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service for the Public News …


Environment

play sound

By Naoki Nitta for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public Ne…

Social Issues

play sound

Concerns about potential voter intimidation have spurred several states to consider banning firearms at polling sites but so far, New Hampshire is …


Though Connecticut's benefits cliff persists, there are other programs helping people maintain benefits of some kind when their income pushes them over the limit. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Today, groups working with lower-income families in Connecticut are raising awareness about the state's "benefits cliff" with a day of action…

Social Issues

play sound

Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick has released 57 "interim charges," the topics he wants Senate committees to study in preparation for the 89th …

It is estimated the Wild Springs Solar Project in New Underwood, South Dakota, will offset 190,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

The construction of more solar farms in the U.S. has been contentious but a new survey shows their size makes a difference in whether solar projects …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota's largest school district is at the center of a budget controversy tied to the recent wave of school board candidates fighting diversity pro…

play sound

Minnesota lawmakers are considering a measure which would force employers to properly classify certain trade union workers and others as employees rat…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021