Clean Water Conference Gathers in Lancaster, Honors Pennsylvania Leaders
(LANCASTER, PA)—Last week, more than 270 individuals from local, state, and national nonprofits, elected officials, government agencies, and businesses gathered for the 2026 Choose Clean Water Conference. With the nation soon celebrating it’s 250th anniversary, the conference provided a forum to discuss how these different sectors can work together to protect and restore the rivers and streams that feed the nation’s largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay.
“The passion, innovation, and dedication of our community of clean water advocates is nothing short of inspiring,” said Kristin Reilly, Director of the Choose Clean Water Coalition. “The city of Lancaster and the surrounding region showcases incredible progress in our work for clean water and healthy communities. These lessons received well-deserved limelight at our 2026 Choose Clean Water Conference. Despite the many challenges, after three days with this accomplished group I am confident we will continue making progress.”
The Conference began with an afternoon seminar on May 18 which focused on strategies and tactics to build and restore trust with diverse audiences connected to clean water restoration. The seminar featured several presentations and a panel discussion including local and regional leaders from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley, and Partners for Environmental Stewardship. The Conference continued with presentations, panels, and field trips on a wide array of topics such as agriculture, polluted runoff, and data centers.
On May 19, the Choose Clean Water Coalition honored Bobby Hughes and R. John Dawes for their contributions to the Chesapeake Bay’s waterways. Hughes received the Coalition’s 2026 Clean Water Champion Award, which is presented annually to individuals who exemplify the values of the Coalition and are a true champion for clean water. The founder and Executive Director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR), Hughes is a respected leader in addressing the harms caused by abandoned mines throughout Pennsylvania and the Cheaspeake Bay region. As EPCAMR celebrates its 30th anniversay, Hughes said, “Abandoned mines throughout the Keystone State have left a legacy of pollution, fouling local waterways and harming communities. It is a privilege to work for clean water and I am honored by this recognition from the Choose Clean Water Coalition. While much work remains, we will continue to make progress by working together and leaving no stone unturned in our fight to leave a legacy of clean water to future generations.”
The Coalition also honored R. John Dawes as the second recipient of the Dr. Beth McGee and Ridge Hall Clean Water Legacy Award, which is given to individuals who have dedicated their career to protecting and restoring the Bay’s rivers and streams while advancing the need for partnership and collaboration to reach our clean water goals. The award is named in honor of two late Coalition members who made incredible contributions to clean water and the Choose Clean Water Coalition. Dawes is the founder and former Executive Director of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds. In his 30 years leading the Foundation, they provided grants to more than 175 environmental organizations across Pennsylvania, investing in more than 1,500 projects and providing $14 million in grants that have leveraged $190 million in total project costs.
Said Dawes, “I am honored by this award from the Choose Clean Water Coalition. In my many years fighting for Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams, one truth has held true–partnership and collaboration is essential to reach our clean water goals. From farmland to city streets, we need to work together. I am proud of my efforts to equip, convene, and support the many individuals and organizations working to reduce pollution in our precious waterways. I want to thank the Coalition for this recognition and look forward to continuing our collective work for clean water.”
“Over the past several decades, few individuals have made a greater impact for Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams than Bobby and John. I am thrilled they are receiving this well-deserved honor,” said Reilly. “As we continue our work for clean water in the Keystone State and the Chesapeake Bay region, we will look to meet the high standard they have set.”
The annual Choose Clean Water Conference provides a three-day forum for attendees to learn about the most important and up-to-date Chesapeake restoration issues, network with fellow Chesapeake Bay supporters and activists, and develop strategies to advance federal, regional and local restoration goals. Gathering in Pennsylvania for the first time since 2023, the 16th annual Choose Clean Water Conference concluded May 20.
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Media Contact:
Drew Robinson
Choose Clean Water Coalition
443-927-8049
RobinsonAQ@nwf.org
