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DRBC Participates in Delaware River Governors' Leadership Summit
(From L to R) DRBC Executive Director Steve Tambini, N.J. Governor Phil Murphy, Pa. Governor Tom Wolf, and Del. Governor John Carney pose on the deck of Philadelphia's Independence Seaport Museum on the Delaware River. Photo by DRBC.
(From L to R) DRBC Executive Director Steve Tambini,
N.J. Governor Phil Murphy, Pa. Governor Tom Wolf,
and Del. Governor John Carney pose on the deck of
Philadelphia's Independence Seaport Museum on the
Delaware River. Photo by DRBC.

Last month on May 16, on the banks of the Delaware River at Philadelphia's Independence Seaport Museum, the governors of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania signed a proclamation that reaffirmed a commitment to protect the Delaware River Basin. The governors represent three of five voting members of the DRBC, an interstate regulatory agency that has worked to manage, protect, and improve the Delaware Basin’s water resources since 1961.

N.J. Governor Phil Murphy, Pa. Governor Tom Wolf, and Del. Governor John Carney agreed to work together as equal partners - through DRBC and beyond - for the people and wildlife that depend on a healthy and resilient Delaware River Basin. This commitment will help make the Delaware Basin be the national model for sustainable economic development, drinkable clean water, healthy fish and wildlife populations, outdoor recreation and nature-based climate resilience.

The proclamation signing was followed by a press conference where Governors Carney, Murphy, and Wolf discussed the upcoming challenges and prospects associated with restoring the Delaware River Basin.

The commissioners took turns praising the impact the Delaware River Basin has had on their respective states.

"Millions of people in our region depend on the Delaware River Basin for clean drinking water and the river remains vitally important for outdoor recreation and economic development for communities in Delaware and beyond," said Carney.

Wolf echoed Carney’s sentiment; "The Delaware River is a great resource for recreation, an economic engine for the eastern part of our state, and a vital drinking water source for millions of Pennsylvanians."

"For the vibrant communities along our state-side riverfront, the waterway and its tributaries are the backbone of economic development, recreation, and the sources of approximately 25 percent of our drinking water," said Murphy.

Approximately 13 million people, spanning Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, rely on the Delaware River Basin for jobs, clean drinking water, and outdoor recreational activities. The river supports a $22 billion economy.

After the press conference, an informational briefing was held, featuring panelists representing several key agencies and organizations working in the basin. DRBC Executive Director Steve Tambini was one of the panelists; view his presentation (pdf 4.4 MB).

Unfortunately, Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.
(From L to R) Pa. Governor Tom Wolf, Del. Governor John Carney, and N.J. Governor Phil Murphy take turns signing the proclamation at the Executive Luncheon prior to the press conference. DRBC Executive Director Steve Tambini participated in the luncheon, where he thanked DRBC's Commissioners for their joint efforts to manage, protect, and improve the Delaware River Basin's water resources. Photo by DRBC.The proclamation that was signed. One of the whereas' states, "Whereas the states work through the Delaware River Basin Commission to jointly ensure the Delaware River waters meet high water quality standards such that they are fishable, swimmable, and usable." Photo by DRBC.(From L to R) Pa. Governor Tom Wolf, Del. Governor John Carney, and N.J. Governor Phil Murphy give remarks at the Delaware River Governors' Leadership Summit press conference. Photo by DRBC.(from L to R) National Wildlife Federation President & CEO Colin O'Mara, Pa. Governor Tom Wolf, Del. Governor John Carney, and N.J. Governor Phil Murphy are all smiles as they pose with the signed proclamation. Photo by DRBC.After the Governors' press conference, an informational panel was held to brief the audience on several Delaware River Basin initiatives and agencies. DRBC Executive Director Steve Tambini (at podium) talked about the commission and how its programs have improved the river's water quality and how the commission also serves as a forum to bring entities across the basin together to better achieve the common goal of making the river cleaner and the basin healthier for present and future generations. Photo by DRBC.