HARRISBURG – State Sen. Scott Martin (R-13) and State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) were recognized by the Penn State Extension’s Center for Agricultural Assistance Training for their leadership in conservation efforts at Wednesday’s ACAP Ag Conservation Conference in Harrisburg.
Martin, who serves as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Yaw, who serves as chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, were selected as joint recipients of the Karl Brown Award for Conservation Leadership.
The annual award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated significant initiative and leadership on agricultural conservation issues in Pennsylvania.
“I am humbled to be recognized along with my colleague Senator Yaw for our work to promote clean water through strong partnerships with farmers throughout Pennsylvania,” Martin said. “The progress we’ve made to this point has been extremely impressive, including the dedicated funding for the Clean Stream Funds that was included in last year’s budget, representing the largest investment in water quality in Pennsylvania’s history.”
“I’m honored to be a recipient of this year’s award for conservation leadership,” Yaw said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to better Pennsylvania’s 85,000 miles of waterways through collaboration with the agriculture community and a local-first approach. I’m thankful to the Extension and the Commission for this wonderful recognition.”
In 2022, Martin and Yaw spearheaded the landmark Clean Streams Fund to clean up rivers and streams damaged by decades of non-point source pollution, including agricultural runoff, abandoned mine drainage and stormwater in developed areas. The establishment of the Fund coincided with creation of the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), which has become one of the most successful initiatives of its kind.
Best management practices implemented by farmers and local governments are showing results, according to the legislators. Last year, the annual report card released by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science showed notable progress, with the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay receiving its best grade in more than two decades.
Martin and Yaw represent Pennsylvania as members of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a tri-state legislative commission advising the general assemblies of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Yaw chairs the Commission’s Pennsylvania Delegation and is a vice chair of the Commission.
The ACAP Ag Conservation Conference is hosed by the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission and Penn State Extension.
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel
717-787-3280