A Major Victory for the Hellbender
We want to share some exciting news! Last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposal to list the eastern hellbender as an endangered species throughout its range under the Endangered Species Act. This long-overdue action was taken after a lawsuit filed by Center for Biological Diversity on behalf of Waterkeepers Chesapeake, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, and Waterkeeper Alliance.
The eastern hellbender, our country’s largest salamander, has seen large-scale declines in habitat and populations in much of its original range, which includes the Mid-Atlantic to the Midwestern states as well as the southeastern corner of the country. Even in areas where it still can be found in pockets, such as the Susquehanna River basin in North Central Pennsylvania, experts suggest 95 percent of its habitat is gone. Read more about the incredible hellbender here.
Getting the Word Out on Toxic PFAS, the Forever Chemicals
What is PFAS? If you have been asking that question, check out our simple fact sheets (in English & Spanish) on the “forever chemicals.” PFAS is a group of long-lasting chemicals that accumulates in our bodies and environments. Manufacturing of these chemicals began decades ago and they cause severe health problems, including cancer. This is why our Waterkeepers are working hard to stop them at their sources and remove them from our waterways. You can also check out the PFAS in the Chesapeake Bay Region story map. The story map gives an overview of the science, public health threats, climate change impacts, and environmental justices issues, and includes an in-depth look at Baltimore and Pennsylvania.
Waterkeeper Wins!
Waterkeepers Chesapeake joined Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Chesapeake Legal Alliance, Gunpowder and Blue Water Baltimore in sending a letter requesting environmental assessment of MPRP transmission line. Baltimore Sun article.
A judge ruled that Maryland Department of the Environment must reevaluate the water pollution permit it issued to Valley Protein poultry rendering plant on Eastern Shore. The decision “makes a statement that no river is worth giving up on” – Matt Pluta, the Choptank Riverkeeper.
Evan Isaacson of Chesapeake Legal Alliance and Betsy Nicholas of Potomac Riverkeeper Network published an article, Clean Water Injustice, in the Environmental Law Institute Journal on the Clean Water Justice Act we passed in Maryland earlier this year. “If we are ever to realize the intentions of Congress and keep the federal act from turning into a paperwork exercise for polluters, we will need the public re-engaged and state and local advocacy organizations well-prepared for the long slog ahead.”
Give the Gift of Clean Water
Your support means so much to us in our efforts to secure clean water for all of our communities. Now with looming federal rollbacks, we need the local advocacy power of Waterkeepers more than ever. Working together, our Waterkeepers have made a big impact locally with the Clean Water Justice Act, Conowingo Dam court victory, and legislative action on PFAS, the forever chemicals. Every penny donated goes to meet urgent needs – helping Waterkeepers hold polluters accountable, and changing the system that enables them.
Donate today!
We are pleased to announce Waterkeepers Chesapeake has joined 1% for the Planet as an environmental partner! This partnership is intended to advance our impact as well as involve more businesses in the environmental movement. 1% for the Planet is an accountability partner for businesses that are ready to reject business as usual and give back to environmental partners making a difference around the globe. Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, their members have given hundreds of millions of dollars to environmental partners to date. Learn more by viewing our profile here.
Amabile Designs is supporting Waterkeeper groups to make a difference for our waters — and for our families. With every purchase, a portion of their proceeds goes to the water protecting partner of your choice — including Waterkeepers Chesapeake — for cleaner healthier water for all to enjoy. Use this code CHESAPEAKE for 15% off your purchase and Waterkeepers Chesapeake will receive 10% of the sale back instead of 1%. The code is per order, unlimited uses, and never expires. SHOP TODAY!
Waterkeepers Chesapeake fights for clean water and a healthy environment by supporting Waterkeepers throughout the Chesapeake and coastal regions as they protect their communities, rivers, and streams from pollution.
For info: www.WaterkeepersChesapeake.org or email info@waterkeeperschesapeake.org.
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