The pipeline leak into Marsh Creek earlier this week was an avoidable water emergency. To make matters worse, Marsh Creek is a source of drinking water for people in that community. Sunoco/Energy Partners demonstrates by their actions that they have little regard for the impact their negligence has on the community.
The issue surrounding water in Chester County is at its tipping point and is nothing less than a PA Constitution crisis. It is possible to support progress and be good stewards of our natural resources at the same time. In fact, our PA Constitution demands it, Article I, Section 27 says: “The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”
What does Marsh Creek have to do with District 13? The answer is AQUA. Energy Transfer and AQUA started a joint venture to supply water to the fracking industry building Mariner East.
AQUA is also engaging in a hostile takeover effort of our local water authority, Chester Water Authority (CWA). You may have seen the many, many SAVE CWA and Save Octoraro Reservoir yard signs in yards and on highways. AQUA wants to buy CWA. AQUA wants CWA because it stands to make billions on the deal, pulling vast amounts of money out of our fragile local economy. It also wants valuable public natural resources including the Octoraro Reservoir and 2000 acres of CWA land assets. Ultimately, AQUA wants power over our water. If they are able to buy CWA, what will our water be used for? Will our water be sent to Northern Chester County for fracking?
CWA has provided clean, affordable drinking water to our community for almost 70 years. SAVE CWA always has and always will have my full support. We must keep power over our water. We must SAVE CWA. Learn more at savecwa.org.
Government only works when representatives honor and serve the people every single day. I am running to be the next State Representative for PA District 13. When elected, my chief responsibility is to serve you. Your needs will be my needs. My voice will be your voice in Harrisburg.
Richard Ruggieri is running for State Representative for District 13, learn more about him and his campaign at RuggieriPA13.com.
District 13 encompasses Chester County: Atglen Borough, East Nottingham Township, Elk Township, Franklin Township, Highland Township, London Grove Township, Londonderry Township, Lower Oxford Township, New London Township, Oxford Borough, Penn Township, Upper Oxford Township, West Fallowfield Township, West Grove Borough, West Nottingham Township and Lancaster County: Christiana Borough and Sadsbury Township.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News.
You have my full support.