Energy and Environment

Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08) has released the following statement regarding the Delaware Water Gap redesignation as a National Park:

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08) released the following statement today after the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act:

“It’s also heartening to see that we can once again put partisan differences aside, this time to pass important legislation that brings us one step closer to cleaning up our waterways for existing and future generations,” Cartwright said. “Restoring acid mine drainage sites creates jobs, brings back recreational opportunities, boosts our economies, and makes our communities safer, stronger and more attractive to new investments without costing taxpayers an additional penny.”

Recently, the U.S. House passed the Safeguarding Treatment for the Restoration of Ecosystems from Abandoned Mines (STREAM) Act, to allow 30% of the money to be placed in reserve. The bill was sponsored in the House by Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright of Moosic and Republican Rep. David McKinley. Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Scranton and Republican Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana sponsor the Senate version.

“Restoring acid mine drainage sites creates jobs, brings back recreational opportunities, boosts our economies and makes our communities safer, stronger and more attractive to new investments without costing taxpayers an additional penny,” Cartwright said.

Cartwright says this creates more opportunities for maintenance in the future and stable jobs for everyone involved. "Not only does it have positive economic impact in the future but in the short term, in the immediate future, you'll see people put to work to help clean up these abandoned mines," he said.

“I’m happy to have led this legislation through the House and am grateful to Sen. Bob Casey for initiating this effort,” Cartwright said. “It’s also heartening to see that we can once again put partisan differences aside, this time to pass important legislation that brings us one step closer to cleaning up our waterways for existing and future generations.”

"We are grateful for Congressman Cartwright’s leadership on this key issue,” said Bobby Hughes, executive director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR).

Over $10 million in funding is being used to fund projects in Wayne, Pike and Monroe counties. Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08) made the announcement Tuesday that the funding, totaling $10.4 million, will fund new construction at the Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport, a storm pipe replacement project, and a major road repair and paving project for State Route 590.

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08) and David McKinley (R-WV-01) introduced the Safeguarding Treatment for the Restoration of Ecosystems from Abandoned Mines (STREAM) Act with Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mike Braun (R-IN). Acid mine drainage (AMD)—the release of highly acidic water from abandoned mines— is one of the largest sources of water…