Senate passes Coons bill to expand protections for White Clay Creek

The Senate voted unanimously on Sunday to pass legislation authored by Senator Coons that would add approximately nine miles of White Clay Creek and its tributaries to the existing Wild and Scenic Rivers designation for the waterway.

The White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic River Expansion Act of 2011, which was co-sponsored by Senator Tom Carper and Senator Bob Casey, now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives.

“The White Clay Creek watershed is rich in natural resources, and it is important that we preserve those resources for the next generation,” Chris said. “Growing up, I spent considerable time in the White Clay Creek watershed and know that it is an important resource for Delaware and the region. It’s up to all of us to fight to protect our natural resources.”

“Yesterday, the Senate passed an important piece of legislation that will help safeguard one of Delaware’s great outdoor treasures,” said Senator Carper. “Through preserving nine additional miles of White Clay Creek and its tributaries, this measure will help ensure that Delawareans will continue to enjoy this waterway’s natural, cultural and recreational benefits for generations to come.”  

The legislation, which comes at no cost to taxpayers, would expand the original Wild and Scenic Rivers designation to include two small stream sections that were omitted from the original designation.

Representative Joseph Pitts (R-Pa.) is the lead sponsor of the companion legislation in the House. However, if the House does not pass this version of the legislation before January 3, both the Senate bill and the House bill must be reintroduced and reconsidered by both chambers in the next Congressional session. Unanimous Senate passage provides strong momentum that could help the new version of the bill move quickly in the next Congress.