The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Pennsylvania Executive Director Harry Campbell Friday issued the following statement commending bipartisan support by federal legislators from the Keystone State calling for federal funding to help farmers reduce water pollution in the Commonwealth.

A letter from Senator Robert P. Casey Jr. and Congresssmen Lou Barletta (R-11th), Brendan Boyle (D-13th), Robert Brady (D-1st), Matt Cartwright (D-17th), Ryan A. Costello (R-6th), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-8th), Tom Marino (R-10th), Patrick Meehan (R-7th), Lloyd Smucker (R-16th), and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-5th) urged U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to commit $20 million for planting riparian buffers in the Commonwealth’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The letter to Secretary Perdue noted that, “The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a critical piece in the Commonwealth’s strategy for reducing water pollution from agricultural sources. Through CREP, Pennsylvania farmers receive financial assistance from both USDA and the Commonwealth for implementing practices that reduce sediment, livestock, and other nutrient runoff into streams.”

Mr. Campbell said:

“CBF appreciates this bipartisan show of support by our elected federal officials from Pennsylvania and join them in urging Secretary Perdue and the USDA to make critical investments in the CREP.

“Taking steps to improve the health of Pennsylvania streams and at the same time increase productivity aren’t always affordable for farmers. Financial support through CREP has made a difference for some farmers who want to do the right thing and put more trees and streamside buffers onto our landscape.

“Trees and buffers are among the most cost-effective tools for keeping soil and nutrients on the land instead of in the water.

“Pennsylvania has a lot of work to do before it reaches its clean water goals. CREP and the buffers it provides play key roles in helping us get there.

“CBF looks forward to working with legislators at the state and federal levels to reduce pollution and make clean rivers and streams a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Click Here for a copy of the letter.

[Note: President Trump’s proposed FY 2019 budget would cut Chesapeake Bay funding by 90 percent, eliminates the USDA Conservation Stewardship and Regional Conservation Partnership Programs and would make other significant environmental cuts.]

NewsClips:

Bay Journal: Trump Proposes Slashing EPA Chesapeake Bay Funding 90%

AP: Trump Budget Again Targets Regional Water Cleanup Like Chesapeake Bay

Great Lakes Cleanup Programs Targeted In Trump Budget

Related Story:

Trump Proposes 56% Cut In State Grants To Administer Federal EPA Programs, Eliminates NRCS Farm Conservation Programs, No Money For RECLAIM

[Posted: Feb. 16, 2018]

2/19/2018