Pennsylvania lawmakers are highlighting progress in water quality efforts, particularly regarding the Susquehanna River’s impact on the Chesapeake Bay. State Senators Gene Yaw and Scott Martin, both members of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, outlined recent initiatives and outcomes in an op-ed.
They noted that although Pennsylvania does not have a Chesapeake shoreline, nearly half its waterways drain into the Bay. The Susquehanna River alone provides about 50% of the Bay’s freshwater, making Pennsylvania’s role significant.
In 2022, Pennsylvania established the Clean Streams Fund with a recurring annual investment of $50 million. This fund is described as the state’s largest commitment to addressing non-point sources of pollution such as agricultural runoff, acid mine drainage, and stormwater. It supports community-driven solutions to these issues.
One key component is the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), which enables local conservation districts to collaborate with farmers by sharing costs for practices that reduce sediment and nutrient runoff. According to Sen. Yaw and Sen. Martin: “These aren’t just theoretical fixes. They’re practical, proven strategies that keep nutrients on the farm and out of our waterways, all while building healthier soil and more resilient farms.”
The senators reported that over 967 miles of streams have been restored in Pennsylvania during the past two decades. New technologies like high-resolution mapping help focus resources on impaired watersheds; so far, 58 streams across seven counties have been prioritized for investment.
Progress has also been reflected in independent assessments. The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science gave the Upper Bay—primarily fed by the Susquehanna—its best grade in over two decades last year. The senators attributed this improvement to what they called “Pennsylvania’s deliberate, data-driven approach to watershed restoration.”
Efforts extend beyond agriculture-related pollution. Last month saw more than $5.2 million allocated statewide for projects aimed at cleaning up abandoned mine lands and reducing acid mine drainage.
Looking ahead, as regional agreements are revised for future watershed management under programs like those coordinated by the Chesapeake Bay Program, Yaw and Martin said Pennsylvania’s model could serve as a guide: “Invest locally, empower the agriculture community and build partnerships that deliver results.”
“We still have work do to,” they concluded, “but Pennsylvania is proof that real progress is possible.”
Senator Gene Yaw represents Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties; he chairs both the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and his delegation within the Chesapeake Bay Commission. Senator Scott Martin represents parts of Berks and Lancaster counties; he chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee.
