ALLENTOWN, PA – January 26, 2026 – Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Nick Miller held a hearing to explore comprehensive solutions and actions to ensure Pennsylvanians have clean air and water.
“Pennsylvania has made progress in tackling centuries of environmental pollution, but much remains to be done to protect and improve the quality of our water and air,” she said Senator Miller. “In 2025, four of the nation’s top 25 asthma capitals were in Pennsylvania, and our state had the sixth-worst tap water quality. The testimony we heard underscored a critical message: We cannot afford to wait, and these issues require action now, not later.”
Jessica Shirley, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), began the hearing by outlining one of the biggest issues currently facing the Department: the Hazardous Site Cleanup Fund (HSCA).
“Pennsylvania is a national leader in cleaning up contaminated former industrial and commercial sites to enable their redevelopment and assist with their deterioration and destruction.
contaminated areas for up-to-date engines that create economic opportunities or housing development,” Shirley said. “A primary reason for this success is the Hazardous Site Cleanup Fund (HSCA), established in 1988. The HSCA Fund supports the investigation and cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater, replacement of contaminated drinking water sources, oversight of hazardous waste landfills, and implementation of Pennsylvania’s land recycling program.”
Becky Bradley, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, testified about how population growth is affecting air quality in the Lehigh Valley.
“Our population has been growing steadily for over 65 years,” Bradley said. “Since the pandemic, jobs have been growing faster than our population. Additionally, we are located in the Valley, which leads to serious air quality issues around the world.”
Dr. Hyunok Choi, associate professor and director of the Institute for Precision Environmental Health for Children at Lehigh University, provided testimony on the impact of past and current events on air quality, citing examples such as the 2023 wildfires in Canada.
“If we think back to this event, which lasted about a week, all of Pennsylvania didn’t suffer that much,” Choi said. “The overall code for Pennsylvania was orange, which means it’s concerning, but not that bad. However, in some areas of Pennsylvania, it’s purple.”
Code purple means “very unhealthy” air quality with an index above 201. Code orange means “unhealthy for sensitive groups” with values ranging from 101 to 150. During the code orange period, older people, children and people with health problems are advised to stay indoors.
Erin L. Frederick, statewide watershed management coordinator for Penn State Extension, spoke about her program introduced in 2013 in response to water quality issues in the state and the need for significant community involvement to address them.
“To meet this need, we launched the Master Watershed Steward program,” Frederick said. “We specialize in volunteer management, partnering with conservation districts and other local organizations to add restoration, education and outreach program services. The primary goal of the program is to provide ongoing support to local water resources volunteers who are knowledgeable, committed and supportive of partner organizations.”
Dr. Kathryn C. Worrilow, founder and CSO of LifeAire Systems, LLC, shared her personal experiences with not being able to provide adequate or optimal air quality to patients.
“As a reproductive physiologist and former clinical specialist in Invitro Fertilization or IVF. I never dreamed I would be as passionate about air quality and clean air as I am,” Worrilow said. “However, when airborne chemical and biological pathogens impact the level of patient care you can offer as a provider or, in our case, our ability to help those seeking to fulfill their dreams of starting a family.”
Adam Nagel, director of government affairs at PennFuture, said state lawmakers must take urgent action as the federal government retreats from its leadership role in helping Pennsylvanians address these challenges.
“2026 brings opportunities to chart a path towards a cleaner and more sustainable future by increasing investment in key sectors, adopting commonsense policies that recognize emerging development, and leveraging cleaner forms of energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve affordability for consumers,” Nagel said. “The FY25-26 budget agreement included several elements that make the pursuit of clean air and clean water significantly more difficult. The FY26-27 budget process offers a significant opportunity to correct some of the problems created by last year’s agreement.”
Jennifer Quinn, director of legislative and policy affairs for the Sierra Club of Pennsylvania, testified about preventing harm, investing in proven tools, and anticipating up-to-date threats.
“In Pennsylvania, we have seen first-hand the devastating effects of PFAS contamination, much of it directly caused by firefighting foam,” Quinn said. “For decades, these foams have been used on military bases and airports for first responder training, leading to widespread groundwater contamination.”
Those testifying included:
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- LifeAire Systems, LLC
- Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
- Penn State Extension
- Lehigh University
- PennFuture
- Sierra Club in Pennsylvania
Senator Nick Miller was elected political chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024.
Footage of the hearing and written testimony from the panel are available at: PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Downloadable photos and videos are available upon request.
For more information on AP Senate Democrats’ priorities, visit www.pasenate.com.
###
Certificate
Commonwealth prospects
- Jessica ShirleySecretary – Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Local Organization Action
- Dr. Kathryn C. Worrilow, Founder and CSO – LifeAire Systems, LLC
- Becky A. BradleyExecutive Director – Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
An insight into an academic institution
- Erin L. FrederickStatewide Chief Watershed Management Coordinator – Penn State Extension
- Dr. Hyunok ChoiAssociate Professor and Director of the Institute for Precision Pediatric Environmental Health – Lehigh University
Stakeholder input
- Adam M. NagelDirector of Government Affairs – PennFuture
- JaneQuinnLegislative and Political Director – Sierra Club of Pennsylvania
Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman Nick Miller was the first Democrat to appear in the Pennsylvania Senate after hearing on clean air and water.
