Foundations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from U.S. foundations.
Featured Stories
Yes, the Country's People are Better Trained and Educated as We Begin 2025
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 6 -- The Lumina Foundation issued the following commentary:
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Yes, the country's people are better trained and educated as we begin 2025
But our collective efforts must keep evolving until learning after high school prepares graduates to thrive economically.
By Jamie Merisotis
The United States is edging toward 60 percent of working-age adults having college degrees or credentials with labor market value--a milestone set by Lumina Foundation and like-minded leaders 17 years ago to meet the growing economic needs of the nation and its people.
The movement that
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INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 6 -- The Lumina Foundation issued the following commentary:
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Yes, the country's people are better trained and educated as we begin 2025
But our collective efforts must keep evolving until learning after high school prepares graduates to thrive economically.
By Jamie Merisotis
The United States is edging toward 60 percent of working-age adults having college degrees or credentials with labor market value--a milestone set by Lumina Foundation and like-minded leaders 17 years ago to meet the growing economic needs of the nation and its people.
The movement thatadvanced this goal of educating more Americans won no widespread acclaim, yet it sparked a momentous mindset shift among state and college leaders who were at the time mainly focused on enrollment growth. As a result of also emphasizing completion of degrees, certificates, and other credentials, the percentage of U.S. adults with quality education or training after high school went from 37.9 percent in 2008 to 54.9 percent by 2023, the most recent year of available statistics for A Stronger Nation, Lumina's online data visualization for tracking progress.
Today, Americans' rising concerns about how to pay for college--and whether to commit time and money to pursuing bachelor's degrees--jeopardizes the nation's progress.
Education leaders and policymakers place the country's economic prosperity at risk if they ignore or fail to address urgent calls for change. At Lumina, we will continue tracking progress toward the 60 percent goal beyond 2025 while setting a new course that focuses on the benefits of learning. A new long-term goal will guide our work with business, governmental, and nonprofit partners in ways that respond more directly to societal needs and concerns. As a private foundation with an established leadership model, we will again take the long view and marshal support for change.
We believe that earning a college degree or other credential of value remains an essential path toward transforming lives and communities. We want to ensure that colleges meaningfully contribute to economic fairness, informed citizenship, and equity in education, regardless of an individual's race, ethnicity, income, or geography. The nation must redesign learning systems to better meet the needs of today's college students. These students are more likely than in the past to be Hispanic, Latino, and Black, come from low-income families, work to support themselves and their families, live in distressed areas, and struggle to pay bills and secure healthcare, housing, and transportation.
So, stay tuned. On March 4, we will share the new goal, a plan and rationale, and initial examples of how we will work.
To inform thinking, we examined what we learned on the "Road to 60" and took the lay of the land. We collaborated with Hattaway Communications, a communications research firm, to speak with our core audiences--policymakers and grantee organizations--and everyday people to understand their thoughts on higher education.
We learned that Americans wholeheartedly embrace the value of practical, shorter-term credentials that lead directly to jobs in fields such as health care, IT, and the building trades. Nonetheless, as we noted last year, short-term credential value dipped in 2022 (and remained stable in 2023), signaling a need to scrutinize the programs that often substitute for associate and bachelor's programs. A challenge we face today--and why we believe tracking credential value matters--is helping students understand which programs lead to good jobs and which do not.
Increasingly, parents and students are also raising questions about the value of bachelor's degrees, viewing higher education as just another rigged system.
In our exploration, we went beyond the dismal polling showing an erosion of public confidence in higher education. We found the term people associated most with colleges and universities was "expensive." Seventy-eight percent of the more than 2,000 adults in a nationally representative Hattaway survey highlighted this concern about affordability, swamping the view of these institutions as "valuable," which was cited by one-third of respondents. At the same time, people we asked said having a bachelor's degree can evoke feelings of confidence (51 percent), empowerment (38 percent), and optimism (34 percent).
Six of every 10 people (58 percent) said Americans' quality of life is worsening. More significant majorities said people who go to college are essential to improving life in the United States (72 percent), in local communities (68 percent), for themselves and their families (65 percent), and for other people (63 percent). That's a beacon of hope--not just a glimmer.
Not as many people as you would think, based on the ubiquity of bad headlines about soaring tuition and fees, pay attention to the negative vibes. Americans are mostly upbeat, believing a college education increases opportunity, gives people control of their futures, leads to meaningful work, and contributes to overall well-being. People agreed that more college graduates with bachelor's degrees could build a skilled workforce, expand the middle class, and create more economically prosperous communities.
We think that is a good place to start a new conversation about the future.
Jamie Merisotis is president and chief executive of Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all.
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Original text here: https://www.luminafoundation.org/news-and-views/yes-the-countrys-people-are-better-trained-and-educated-as-we-begin-2025/
Louisiana State Senator Blake Miguez Named FGA's 2024 Legislator of the Year
NAPLES, Florida, Feb. 6 -- The Foundation for Government Accountability issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2025:
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Louisiana State Senator Blake Miguez Named FGA's 2024 Legislator of the Year
NAPLES, FL--Today, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) presented Louisiana State Senator Blake Miguez with its 2024 "Legislator of the Year" award.
FGA recognizes Sen. Miguez for his tireless dedication to fighting for commonsense reforms in the Pelican State. In 2024, he carried legislation to help preserve the rule of law in Louisiana by banning sanctuary cities for illegal
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NAPLES, Florida, Feb. 6 -- The Foundation for Government Accountability issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2025:
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Louisiana State Senator Blake Miguez Named FGA's 2024 Legislator of the Year
NAPLES, FL--Today, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) presented Louisiana State Senator Blake Miguez with its 2024 "Legislator of the Year" award.
FGA recognizes Sen. Miguez for his tireless dedication to fighting for commonsense reforms in the Pelican State. In 2024, he carried legislation to help preserve the rule of law in Louisiana by banning sanctuary cities for illegalaliens. He also worked to protect the integrity of Louisiana's elections by passing a ban on ranked-choice voting, a well-funded scheme to undermine our one-person, one-vote election system. And last, but not least, Sen. Miguez fought to promote work and reduce government dependency by passing a bill to implement work requirements for able-bodied adults in the state's food stamp program.
"Sen. Miguez is a strong conservative leader willing to tackle tough and important issues around illegal immigration, election integrity, and welfare reform," said Tarren Bragdon, President and CEO of FGA. "His leadership in the state legislature will help make Louisiana a better place for families to live and work, and we are excited to see the great things he will accomplish in 2025."
FGA's "Legislator of the Year" award recognizes a national leader and policymaker who advances legislation that reduces barriers to work and promotes self-sufficiency and dignity for individuals and families.
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The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that promotes public policy solutions to create opportunities for every American to experience the American Dream. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.
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Original text here: https://thefga.org/press/louisiana-state-senator-blake-miguez-named-fgas-2024-legislator-of-the-year/
AWF Honors the Legacy of German President Emeritus Prof. Horst Kohler
NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb. 6 -- The African Wildlife Foundation issued the following news release:
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AWF Honors the Legacy of German President Emeritus Prof.Horst Kohler
The African Wildlife Foundation joins many across the world in mourning the loss of an extraordinary leader and a steadfast ally of Africa. German President Emeritus Prof. Horst Kohler passed away in early February 2025, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to the continent's future. His vision for Africa--one rooted in genuine partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility--continues to inspire us. We extend
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NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb. 6 -- The African Wildlife Foundation issued the following news release:
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AWF Honors the Legacy of German President Emeritus Prof.Horst Kohler
The African Wildlife Foundation joins many across the world in mourning the loss of an extraordinary leader and a steadfast ally of Africa. German President Emeritus Prof. Horst Kohler passed away in early February 2025, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to the continent's future. His vision for Africa--one rooted in genuine partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility--continues to inspire us. We extendour deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership.
President Kohler was not only an influential statesman but also a true believer in Africa's role in shaping global solutions. He understood that the challenges of our time-- climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development -- could not be addressed without Africa at the table. His conviction that conservation and economic development must go hand in hand mirrored AWF's mission and the work we do across the continent. His leadership on the Partnership with Africa initiative during his tenure as Germany's President (2004-2010) fundamentally reshaped how Africa and Europe engage, shifting the focus from aid to cooperation, and from dependency to partnership.
AWF had the privilege of engaging with him on multiple occasions, and his passion for Africa was unmistakable. AWF CEO Kaddu Sebunya recalls one of his last conversations with President Kohler:
"He spoke with such clarity and urgency about Africa's responsibility to lead on global challenges, especially climate change. He was firm in his belief that Africa's rich natural heritage is not just a conservation priority but a global asset that must be protected for the future of humanity. He challenged us, as Africans, to take ownership of our resources, to drive solutions, and to ensure that Africa was shaping its own narrative on conservation and development. He saw Africa as a leader, not a follower."
President Kohler was a staunch supporter of Africa's youth and believed they held the key to the continent's future. He was also a great advocate for practical, action-driven cooperation between Africa and Europe. One of the last initiatives he championed was the Africa Forum Berlin, which AWF co-organized with the German Africa Foundation in September 2024. His vision for this platform was clear: to foster honest, solution-oriented discussions on Africa's leadership in conservation, climate, and sustainable economic growth. His presence and influence were deeply felt throughout the forum's discussions, and his legacy will continue to shape its future impact.
At AWF, we honor Horst Kohler not just as a former head of state but as a leader whose work transcended politics. His belief in Africa's potential, his advocacy for true partnerships, and his unwavering support for conservation as a pillar of development will continue to guide us.
As we reflect on his life, we remain committed to carrying forward the values he championed. May his family find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on, not just in policies and initiatives, but in the continued progress of the Africa he so deeply believed in.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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Original text here: https://www.awf.org/pressroom/awf-honors-legacy-german-president-emeritus-profhorst-kohler
Interior Department's Review of National Monuments is About Selling Off the Country's Natural Resources
DURANGO, Colorado, Feb. 5 -- The Conservation Lands Foundation issued the following news release:
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Press Statement: Interior Department's Review of National Monuments is About Selling Off the Country's Natural Resources
Interior Department's Internal Review of National Monuments and Protected Public Lands Is About Selling Off the Country's Natural Resources Not Energy Dominance
Washington, D.C. -- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has issued secretarial orders that set the stage for gutting protections of the country's beloved and ecologically valuable natural landscapes. The orders mandate
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DURANGO, Colorado, Feb. 5 -- The Conservation Lands Foundation issued the following news release:
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Press Statement: Interior Department's Review of National Monuments is About Selling Off the Country's Natural Resources
Interior Department's Internal Review of National Monuments and Protected Public Lands Is About Selling Off the Country's Natural Resources Not Energy Dominance
Washington, D.C. -- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has issued secretarial orders that set the stage for gutting protections of the country's beloved and ecologically valuable natural landscapes. The orders mandatea 15-day internal review of national monuments and all lands withdrawn from fossil fuel and mining development.
Below is a statement from Chris Hill, CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the National Conservation Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
"Conducting a slap dash, secret review of national monuments shows that this administration is scared of public scrutiny because they know how popular these public lands are. The majority of the country continues to show their love for public lands, including during the first Trump administration's attempt to privatize the country's sacred, historic and recreationally and culturally significant landscapes.
"These orders also willfully ignore the rural residents and communities whose personal and local incomes rely on these lands being protected from privatization. Outdoor recreation on BLM lands contributes more than $11 billion to the economy and substantial income to individuals, small and large businesses, and rural communities through hunting, fishing, camping, climbing, riding off-highway vehicles, and many other activities.
"With roughly 85% of BLM lands already available for energy production-and roughly half of existing oil and gas leases not being used-it's crystal clear that these recent orders targeting the 15% of public lands that are protected for the public's use have nothing to do with the nation's energy portfolio.
"There's really no explanation other than this administration is trying to sneakily and greedily sell off the 15% of protected public lands to the wealthy and well-connected, thereby blocking access for everyone else. It's an attack that flies in the face of America's ideals and the Conservation Lands Foundation will be unrelenting in our fight on the side of the people-85% of voters in the west-who support keeping public lands in the public's hands."
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About Conservation Lands Foundation
We're the only nonprofit leading a national movement of community-based advocates who care for America's NATIONAL CONSERVATION LANDS of natural, historical, cultural and recreational significance.
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Original text here: https://www.conservationlands.org/press_statement_interior_department_review_2025_february
Cruz Bill Would End the CFPB's Secret Money Pipeline
NAPLES, Florida, Feb. 5 -- The Foundation for Government Accountability issued the following news release:
Cruz Bill Would End the CFPB's Secret Money Pipeline
Foundation for Government Accountability commends Senator Cruz for introducing bill to end rogue agency spending and restore congressional budgeting authority.
NAPLES, FL-- The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) applauds Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) for introducing the bold Defund the CFPB Act. This game-changing legislation would shut down the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB)'s obscured funding pipeline from the Federal
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NAPLES, Florida, Feb. 5 -- The Foundation for Government Accountability issued the following news release:
Cruz Bill Would End the CFPB's Secret Money Pipeline
Foundation for Government Accountability commends Senator Cruz for introducing bill to end rogue agency spending and restore congressional budgeting authority.
NAPLES, FL-- The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) applauds Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) for introducing the bold Defund the CFPB Act. This game-changing legislation would shut down the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB)'s obscured funding pipeline from the FederalReserve, ending one Washington agency's reckless spending spree.
FGA filed an amicus brief in the litigation challenging the constitutionality of the CFPB's funding structure, which exists outside Congress's control in violation of the appropriations clause. Senator Cruz's bill would freeze any future CFPB funding requests to ensure unelected bureaucrats can no longer fund their radical agenda without congressional approval.
"The CFPB's rogue spending and enforcement habits represent an unconstitutional overreach that defies the separation of powers and violates Congress's appropriations mandate. The immense, unchecked power CFPB wields threatens basic free-market principles and erodes individual liberty," said Tarren Bragdon, President and CEO of the Foundation for Government Accountability. "Congress must reclaim its rightful authority from unelected bureaucrats to reestablish the foundations of limited, constitutional government and rein in out-of-control spending."
"The Defund the CFPB Act is essential to restoring accountability, safeguarding our Constitution, and protecting the freedoms of American citizens," continued Bragdon.
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The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that promotes public policy solutions to create opportunities for every American to experience the American Dream. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.
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Original text here: https://thefga.org/press/cruz-bill-would-end-the-cfpbs-secret-money-pipeline/
4 Countries Making Strides in Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Feb. 5 -- The Prevent Cancer Foundation issued the following news:
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4 countries making strides in cancer prevention and early detection
Cancer remains one of the most formidable health challenges worldwide, but the fight against it is gaining momentum thanks to innovative strategies and proactive measures being implemented around the world. From groundbreaking screening and vaccination programs to widespread public health campaigns, many countries are making remarkable strides in cancer prevention and early detection.
Today, February 4, is World Cancer Day, designed
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ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Feb. 5 -- The Prevent Cancer Foundation issued the following news:
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4 countries making strides in cancer prevention and early detection
Cancer remains one of the most formidable health challenges worldwide, but the fight against it is gaining momentum thanks to innovative strategies and proactive measures being implemented around the world. From groundbreaking screening and vaccination programs to widespread public health campaigns, many countries are making remarkable strides in cancer prevention and early detection.
Today, February 4, is World Cancer Day, designedto raise awareness about cancer, encourage prevention methods and mobilize action to address the global cancer problem. Here are four inspiring and effective initiatives from around the world, showcasing how different nations are leading the charge in reducing cancer incidence and improving survival rates:
1. Australia
Australia has long been a leader in skin cancer prevention thanks to its comprehensive public health campaigns. The "Slip-Slop-Slap" campaign, which encourages people to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat, has significantly raised awareness about the dangers of UV exposure. Earlier this year, Australia adopted new sun safety guidelines that balance the benefits of vitamin D* with the risk of getting too much sun exposure.
The country is also making waves in lung cancer prevention by cutting nicotine usage. Australia introduced some of the world's toughest anti-vaping laws in July 2024, now requiring people who want to vape to provide a doctor's prescription to purchase. They've also limited flavor choices to just three--mint, menthol and tobacco. By ending practices such as colorful branding and flavors that appeal to young people, Australia is supporting a future free of harmful risk factors for lung cancer.
2. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is also supporting lung cancer prevention through its ban of single-use disposable vapes. This ban will go into effect across England, Wales and Scotland beginning in June 2025. New laws are being developed separately in Northern Ireland that plan to ban the sale and supply of single-use vapes and are also expected to go into effect in June. While vaping is less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes (about 80%-90% of all lung cancers are related to cigarette smoking), vapes do contain nicotine. Nicotine is addictive and is what makes people dependent on the product and can lead to withdrawal symptoms when they don't use it. The vapor from an e-cigarette also contains harmful chemicals that have health risks.
3. Rwanda
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) set an ambitious goal to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem within the next century. Rwanda is one of the countries leading this charge by bolstering vaccination among young girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can cause at least six types of cancer, including more than 90% of cervical and anal cancers.
Rwanda was also the first African country to implement the HPV vaccine in 2011.
Rwanda's Ministry of Health has played a large role in this success by working with village elders, community leaders, churches and schools to educate about the HPV vaccine and stop misinformation to get more people vaccinated.
4. Finland
With a cervical cancer screening program covered by the public health care system (reducing out-of-pocket payments for people who have a cervix), Finland has successfully reduced cervical cancer incidence rates and mortality by almost 80%. According to the World Health Organization, high screening rates in Finland are also attributed to a high level of trust in public health care services provided by the country.
Cervical cancer is highly preventable thanks to screening and vaccination--the more people who know and understand these facts, the more cervical cancers we can prevent or detect early, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
We can all learn from one another when it comes to cancer prevention and early detection. Our vision of a world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all is not possible without the work being done globally to prevent cancer or detect it early.
For more information about cancer prevention and early detection--within the U.S. and around the world--visit preventcancer.org.
*Some experts say it is better to get your vitamin D from food or supplements rather than from sunlight. Talk with your health care provider about vitamin D and your health.
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Original text here: https://preventcancer.org/article/countries-making-strides-prevention-early-detection/
$50 Million in Governor's Budget Proposal Would Mean Cleaner Pennsylvania Rivers and Streams
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Feb. 5 -- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation posted the following news release:
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$50 Million in Governor's Budget Proposal Would Mean Cleaner Pennsylvania Rivers and Streams
HARRISBURG--The $50 million for the Clean Streams Fund (CSF) included in the Governor Josh Shapiro's $51.5 billion General Fund budget proposal for fiscal year 2025-26 unveiled today would mean Pennsylvania farms have more projects on the ground that reduce pollution to local rivers and streams.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) praised inclusion of $50 million in recurring budget investments for
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Feb. 5 -- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation posted the following news release:
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$50 Million in Governor's Budget Proposal Would Mean Cleaner Pennsylvania Rivers and Streams
HARRISBURG--The $50 million for the Clean Streams Fund (CSF) included in the Governor Josh Shapiro's $51.5 billion General Fund budget proposal for fiscal year 2025-26 unveiled today would mean Pennsylvania farms have more projects on the ground that reduce pollution to local rivers and streams.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) praised inclusion of $50 million in recurring budget investments forthe CSF, which funds the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program(ACAP). Cost-share investments through ACAP are passed through conservation districts, providing financial and technical assistance for local agricultural projects that reduce pollution.
Of the $50 million included in the Governor's budget proposal for 2025-26, the CSF allocates 71.5 percent to ACAP.
Initially in 2024, Senator Scott Martin and Senator Gene Yaw included $50 million from personal income taxes in the tax code as new annual funding each August for the CSF. The fund tackles the top three sources of stream impairment in the Commonwealth: some agricultural activities, acid mine drainage, and urban/suburban stormwater runoff.
The design of the legislation that created ACAP was a collaborative effort between CBF, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. The CSF and ACAP were introduced by Senator Yaw.
The budget proposal also provides $615,000 to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prioritize clean water by providing guidance, direction, and advisement on agricultural-related runoff to meet the standards in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. This funding will allow DEP to serve the public more effectively and bolster capacity to help farmers and conservation districts navigate federal and state funding programs.
CBF Pennsylvania Executive Director Julia Krall issued this statement:
"The $50 million in the Governor's proposed budget for the Clean Streams Fund and Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program reaffirms the commitment of our elected leaders to creating a legacy of clean water, healthy soils, and resilient communities for future generations.
"Governor Shapiro's words echoed through the Chesapeake Bay watershed last year when he said: 'We are making sure Pennsylvania does its fair share. You have my commitment that this work will continue. Pennsylvania is all in.'
"ACAP is working to reduce pollution to our local waters.
"According to the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission, which administers ACAP, $141 million has been committed to 66 county conservation districts and Philadelphia. Roughly $109 million has been under signed contract with farmers and committed to 1,227 projects.
"Farmers appreciate the value and importance of keeping soil and nutrients on the land instead of running off into the water. With support from the ACAP, they don't have to implement needed measures on their own."
B.J. Small
Pennsylvania Communications & Media Relations Manager, CBF
bsmall@cbf.org
717-200-4521
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Original text here: http://www.cbf.org/news-media/newsroom/2025/pennsylvania/50-million-in-governors-budget-proposal-would-mean-cleaner-pennsylvania-rivers-and-streams.html