Pennsylvania Members Gather to Strengthen Policies and Partnerships
On April 21, 2026, Pennsylvania members gathered together in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for an in-person meeting focused on collaboration, policies, and shared priorities. Members from the Coalition for the Delaware Watershed (CDRW) also attended the event, which offered valuable insight and meaningful discussion across organizations.
The meeting featured presentations from both CCWC and CDRW leadership, updating members on ongoing initiatives. Participants engaged in discussions on key policy issues, the development of the 2026 edition of the Pennsylvania Legislative Briefing Book, and the growing impact of data centers on Pennsylvania’s water resources.
A highlight of the event was the opportunity to hear directly from state agencies. The Department of Resources’ Director of Policy and Planning, Nicole Faraguna, emphasized the importance of establishing a licensing framework for water well drilling. The issue of safeguarding well water quality was underscored by the fact that Pennsylvania remains one of only three states that currently do not have industry licensing requirements. DCNR is currently working with legislators to resolve this oversight by introducing legislation that fills this gap and advances Pennsylvania’s standards.
Attendees also heard from the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Water Programs, Jill Whitcomb, who shared insights into the state’s efforts related to the Chesapeake Bay. DEP provided additional resources for members, including materials on the state’s Watershed Implementation Plan, updates on Pennsylvania’s clean water progress, and its overarching goal of clean water for all Pennsylvanians.
The event concluded with a preview of upcoming opportunities for engagement within the Coalition. Members were encouraged to participate in the Coalition’s conference that was being hosted locally within Pennsylvania.
In-person state member meetings like this are a valued tradition for Coalition members, as they create space for deeper conversations and provide an opportunity for relationship building that is difficult to achieve virtually. By gathering together face-to-face, members strengthen the partnerships that drive us towards our goal of clean water for people, communities, and wildlife throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
