 About Us
Formed in 2002, the Pennsylvania Campaign for Clean Water is a coalition of over 130 environmental, conservation, sporting, and religious groups from all corners of the state that speaks in one voice in support of federal and state policies to protect and restore PA's water resources.
Why Do We Exist
Water is one of PA's premier natural resources, with 83,184 miles of streams and rivers, 161,445 acres of ponds and lakes, over 403,000 acres of wetlands, and 47 trillion gallons of groundwater. These resources are vital to the quality of life in our communities, providing drinking water for millions and supporting countless industries. Having clean water is extremely important to PA's economy, with fishing activities alone generating $4.7 billion a year in revenue and supporting 43,000 jobs. Clean water also improves property values, with higher values directly associated with the health of streams and watersheds.
But these resources are often threatened by pollution and destruction. Dischargers pump millions of gallons of wastewater, containing toxic pollutants, nutrients and metals, into our streams and rivers. Half of our Commonwealth's wetlands have been filled or drained. Thousands of miles of headwater streams, our most precious streams, are channelized, enclosed, relocated or filled each year.
We believe that working together, we can stop this destruction and protect our water resources. Our goals are:
- Keeping clean waters clean and restoring damaged waterways
- Easy public access to information and participation in decision-making
- Comprehensive water resource management policies
- Firm, fair, and consistent enforcement of laws protecting our water resources.
Our Leadership
The Campaign is led by a Steering Committee that includes representatives from key member groups. All members of the Campaign are invited to an annual strategy meeting at which we review progress from the past year and select key issues for the coming year.
Current members of our Steering Committee are
- Bob Wendelgass, Campaign Chair, representing Clean Water Action
- Brian Glass, Citizens for Pennsylvania 's Future
- Robin Mann and Barbara Benson, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter
- Deb Nardone , Pennsylvania Trout
- Matt Royer, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
- John Dawes, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds
- John Hoekstra, Green Valleys Association
- Julie Vastine, ALLARM
- Maya van Rossum, Delaware Riverkeeper Network
How We Operate
Campaign activities are carried out through workgroups addressing each of its issues. These workgroups are overseen by the Campaign's Steering Committee.
Members of the Campaign are added to its list serve, receiving information on Campaign issues and activities. Groups are also eligible to participate in the Campaign's annual strategy meeting and issue workgroups.
When the Campaign is taking a position on an issue, that position statement is sent to member groups before it is released to the public and policymakers. Only those organizations that affirmatively indicate their approval of the position statement are listed on any communication about that position. Groups that do not affirmatively express their endorsement are not listed as supporting the Campaign's position.
See the Campaign's statement of Operating Procedures for details.
Contact Us:
Pennsylvania Campaign for Clean Water
1315 Walnut Street
Suite 1650
Philadelphia, PA 191907
Phone: 215-545-0250
Fax: 215-545-2315
email at bwendelgass@cleanwater.org .
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