Naturally vegetated buffers along streams are good for Pennsylvania's communities, environment and economy. They help to filter out pollution from runoff, prevent erosion and flooding, and provide important habitat for aquatic life.

Clean Water Action surveyed municipalities in more than a dozen counties across Pennsylvania and found that 192 municipalities had a riparian buffer ordinance and over 30% of those ordinances required 100 foot or greater buffers on some streams.

In this issue of Pennsylvania Currents|Online:

Natural Gas Drilling Boom Threatens Pennsylvania Waters
In the coming years, several thousand wells may be drilled across western, central, and northeast Pennsylvania or natural gas. These new wells will be drilled into a rock formation known is Marcellus shale, where potentially big reserves of natural gas can be found over a mile underground. In 2008, over 500 gas wells were drilled in the Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania, and even with the recession, gas production is projected to increase annually for the next several years.

In the coming years, several thousand wells may be drilled across western, central, and northeast Pennsylvania or natural gas. These new wells will be drilled into a rock formation known is Marcellus shale, where potentially big reserves of natural gas can be found over a mile underground. In 2008, over 500 gas wells were drilled in the Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania, and even with the recession, gas production is projected to increase annually for the next several years.

About 90 Clean Water Fund supporters joined us for a fabulous evening of food, music, and a silent and live auction. This year’s Florence Neilson Environmental Leadership Awards went to Sharon McCormick for her work organizing the Ambler community to clean up the largest asbestos waste pile in the U.S. and to Kathleen McGinty for her work to reduce mercury emissions and invest in environmental conservation as Secretary of the PA Department of Environmental Protection. We raised over $13,000 for our work to protect and promote clean water, clean air, and healthy communities.

Thanks to our sponsors and item donors for making our Auction and Party a success—we look forward to seeing you again next year!!!

A recent survey by Clean Water Action found that almost two hundred cities, towns and boroughs in Pennsylvania have adopted ordinances requiring buffers between new development and their streams and rivers. Almost one-third of these municipalities require buffers of at least 100 feet, which is consistent with Clean Water Action’s Buffers 100 initiative. It’s impressive to see so many towns across the state working to make sure that development doesn’t result in degrading our rivers and streams.

In this issue:

• Our Pick for President: Why America Needs Barack Obama
• Clean Water Action Endorsed Candidates for 2008
• Electing a Greener Congress in 2008
• Volunteers Needed to Elect Pro-Environment Candidates!

Get the full newsletter (pdf, 539 kb)

In this issue:

• Protecting Our Drinking Water from Pollution
• Help Pro-Environment Candidates Win in 2008
• Decrease Diesel Pollution in Our Neighborhoods
• Clean Water Action in Your Community
  • Philadelphia Area Update
  • Pittsburgh Area Update
  • Lehigh Valley Update
• Buffers 100 — A Buffer for Every Stream

Get the complete newsletter. (pdf, 278 kb)

Victories for the Environment in 2007 - Challenges for 2008

• Looking Ahead in 2008
  • Clean Water Restoration Act
  • Safer Drinking Water Act
• Local Victories for the Environment in PA
  • Lehigh Valley
  • Pittsburgh Area
  • Philadelphia Area
• How is Congress Voting on the Environment?

Get the newsletter

Pennsylvania Currents|Online, Spring 2009

Natural
Gas Drilling Boom Threatens Pennsylvania Waters

Campaign for Stream Buffers Builds Support

Thanks for Supporting Clean Water's 12th Annual Auction and Party!