Delaware River governors pledge increased protection for watershed

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf joined Gov. John Carney of Delaware and Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey in making a shared commitment to protect the Delaware River watershed and work as equal partners to grow the region’s economy and protect America’s founding waterway. The governors signed a proclamation agreeing to work together to make the Delaware River Basin the national model for sustainable economic development, drinkable clean water, healthy fish and wildlife populations, outdoor recreation and nature-based climate resilience.

PennEnvironment joined dozens of organizations including National Wildlife Federation and the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed in advocating for this initiative.

“The Delaware River is one of the nation’s most important and iconic waterways,” said PennEnvironment’s David Masur. “This proclamation is a critical step to ensure we restore and protect this waterway for now and future generations.”

The Delaware River supports a more than $22 billion economy and provides drinking water for nearly 15 million people.

Photo: From left to right: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, Delaware Gov. John Carney and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy at the Delaware River Governors’ Leadership Summit in Philadelphia on May 16. Credit: New Jersey Audubon staff.