This talk is presented as a Zoom Webinar and requires a passcode. For anyone outside the department; If you would like to attend, email ggk2@psu.edu

Save PA to Save the Bay—Strengths, challenges, opportunities, & threats in Pennsylvania’s efforts to meet clean water obligations

Abstract:

The Chesapeake Bay is more than just a body of water.  The Bay, and the over 64,000 square miles of land that drain into it, have shaped our history, our economy, our culture, and our well-being. The steps needed to clean up not only the Bay—but also local rivers and streams—will support local businesses, create jobs, and provide additional environmental benefits.

Today, after decades of resource mismanagement and pollution, scientists who study the health of the Bay are indicating that the decades of investments in restoration efforts are resulting in quantifiable improvements in many key indicators.  But those improvements are fragile, and momentum is easily lost. 

Unfortunately, compared to the other states in the Bay watershed, Pennsylvania’s efforts continue to be significantly behind.  In fact, implementation of key pollution reduction practices was to have dramatically increased in the last ten years but instead they have stagnated.  Jumpstarting implementation requires unyielding leadership, commitment, and investment using the best available science.  It will also require comprehensive behavioral change. 

This presentation will explore the myriad of challenges and opportunities facing Pennsylvania’s clean water efforts to and explore ways scientists of all disciplines can leverage their expertise in advancing efforts to ‘Save the Bay’. 

Biography:

Harry Campbell the Director of Science Policy & Advocacy in the Pennsylvania office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF).  He is a respected resource on technical, policy, and science issues and leads CBF’s clean water efforts in Pennsylvania – including all policy, advocacy, and restoration efforts.  Prior to being named to his current position, he spent seven years as the Executive Director of CBF’s Pennsylvania office.  Mr. Campbell has over twenty years of experience in watershed assessment, restoration and protection science, policy, and advocacy and has worked in nonprofit, academia, for profit, and government entities. He a frequent guest lecturer as well as a panelist and interviewee in traditional and nontraditional media. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management and a Master’s degree in Environmental Pollution Control with an emphasis in organic chemistry and ecotoxicity from the Pennsylvania State University.