ALLENTOWN, PA − January 26, 2026 − Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing to examine comprehensive solutions and actions to deliver clean air and water to Pennsylvanians.
“Pennsylvania has made progress in addressing centuries of environmental contamination, but significant work remains to protect and improve our water and air,” said Senator Miller. “In 2025, four of the nation’s top 25 asthma capitals were in Pennsylvania, and our state ranked sixth in worst for tap water quality. The testimony we heard underscored a critical message: we cannot afford to wait, and these issues demand action now, not later.”
Jessica Shirley, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), began the hearing with one of the biggest issues facing the Department right now, and that is the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund (HSCA).
“Pennsylvania is a national leader in the cleanup of contaminated former industrial and commercial sites to allow them to be re-developed and help turn blighted and
contaminated areas into new engines of economic opportunity or residential construction,” said Shirley. “A key reason for that success is the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund (HSCA), established in 1988. The HSCA Fund supports investigation and cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater, replacement of polluted drinking water supplies, oversight of hazardous waste facilities, and implementation of Pennsylvania’s Land Recycling Program.”
Becky Bradley, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, testified on how population growth is impacting air quality in the Lehigh Valley.
“Our population has been growing consistently for over 65 years,” said Bradley. “Since the pandemic, jobs have been growing faster than our population. In addition, we’re in a Valley, which leads to major issues globally of air quality.”
Dr. Hyunok Choi, Associate Professor and Director of the Children’s Environmental Precision Health Institute at Lehigh University, testified on the impact of past and current events on air quality, citing examples such as the 2023 Canadian wildfires.
“If we recall about that event that lasted about a week, the overall Pennsylvania was not so badly affected,” said Choi. “The overall code for Pennsylvania was orange, meaning that it is concerning but it is not too bad. But it’s within certain pockets of Pennsylvania that experienced purple.”
Code Purple indicates “very unhealthy” air quality, with an index above 201. Code Orange signifies “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” with values ranging from 101 to 150. During Code Orange conditions, older adults, children, and individuals with health issues are advised to stay indoors.
Erin L. Frederick, Statewide Master Watershed Steward Coordinator at Penn State Extension, spoke on her program that was introduced in 2013 in response to the state’s water quality issues and the need for substantial community engagement to address them.
“We launched the Master Watershed Steward Program to fill that need,” said Frederick. “We specialize in volunteer management, partnering with Conservation Districts and other local organizations to add services for restoration, education, and outreach programs. The main purpose of the program is to ensure the ongoing support of local water-resource-focused volunteers who are knowledgeable, engaged, and supportive of partnering organizations.”
Dr. Kathryn C. Worrilow, Founder and CSO of LifeAire Systems, LLC, spoke on her personal experience on not being able to provide adequate or optimal air quality to patients.
“As a reproductive physiologist and former clinical provider of Invitro fertilization or IVF. I never dreamed that I would be as passionate about air quality or clean air as I am,” said Worrilow. “However, when chemical and biological, airborne pathogens impact the level of patient care that you can offer as a provider or in our case, our ability to help those hoping to fulfill their dreams of having a family.”
Adam Nagel, Director of Government Affairs for PennFuture, stated state lawmakers must take urgent action when the federal government is retreating from a leadership role in helping Pennsylvanians face these challenges.
“2026 brings with it opportunities to chart a path towards a cleaner and more sustainable future through increasing investment to critical departments, passing common sense policies to address emerging forms of development, and embracing cleaner forms of energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve affordability for consumers,” said Nagel. “The FY25-26 budget agreement featured several pieces that render the pursuit of clean air and pure water far more challenging. The FY26-27 budget process presents a significant opportunity to correct some of the issues created by last year’s deal.”
Jennifer Quinn, Legislative and Political Director of Sierra Club Pennsylvania, testified on preventing harm, investing in proven tools, and anticipating new risks.
“In Pennsylvania, we’ve seen the devastating real-world impacts of PFAS contamination firsthand, much of it stemming directly from firefighting foams,” said Quinn. “For decades, these foams were used at military bases and airports during trainings for first responders, leading to widespread groundwater pollution.”
Testifiers included:
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- LifeAire Systems, LLC
- Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
- Penn State Extension
- Lehigh University
- PennFuture
- Sierra Club Pennsylvania
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024.
Footage of the hearing, as well as the written testimony of the panel, is available at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Photographs and downloadable video are available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ priorities visit www.pasenate.com.
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Testimony
Commonwealth’s Outlook
- Jessica Shirley, Secretary – Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Local Organization Action
- Dr. Kathryn C. Worrilow, Founder and CSO – LifeAire Systems, LLC
- Becky A. Bradley, Executive Director – Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
Academic Institution Insight
- Erin L. Frederick, Statewide Master Watershed Steward Coordinator – Penn State Extension
- Dr. Hyunok Choi, Associate Professor & Director, Children’s Environmental Precision Health Institute – Lehigh University
Stakeholder Input