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John, Aqua Pennsylvania is trying to buy up publicly-owned water systems across the state. And if it is successful, water bills in Chester, Philly, Pittsburgh, and beyond could go up by hundreds of dollars. Legislation was just introduced in the General Assembly that would stop Aqua in its tracks. To help make sure this bill gets passed, we’re partnering up with local PA groups to hand-deliver our petition to your representatives in Harrisburg in 10 days. But your signature is missing, John. In Solidarity, Lacey P.S. See below for the email I sent last week with more information about the campaign.
John, Right now, Aqua Pennsylvania is using the full force of its corporate power to attempt a hostile takeover of the non-profit, publicly-owned Chester Water Authority (CWA). If Aqua’s takeover attempt is successful, the people served by CWA would likely see their annual water bill go up by hundreds of dollars. And they wouldn’t be the only ones to suffer. We've been told that after its attack on CWA, Aqua is planning on going after Philadelphia’s and Pittsburgh’s public water systems. Then who knows what community will be next. But there is hope. Just last week, a bill was introduced in the PA General Assembly that would stop hostile corporate takeovers of public water and wastewater systems. Together we can get this bill passed. Sign the petition demanding that the General Assembly pass HB 1936 now. In 2016, state lawmakers passed Act 12, which gave private companies the ability to buy up public water and wastewater systems that aren’t in financial or operational distress. The legislation also made it possible for private companies to put in offers that are way more than the systems are actually worth. As a result, every public water and wastewater system in Pennsylvania is now vulnerable to a corporate takeover. But especially those in cities and municipalities that are struggling financially. If a city is in financial trouble -- as many are after spending nearly two years in a pandemic -- it is very tempting for city leaders to accept a high dollar bid for its water system. But while such a sale would allow the city government to pay off its debts, city residents would wind up paying the price with ridiculously high water bills. Act now to stop corporate water profiteers from jacking up PA’s water prices. The bi-partisan bill introduced in the General Assembly last week -- HB 1936 -- would amend Act 12 to say that a public water or wastewater utility cannot be bought by a private company unless it is in financial or operational distress. If this bill passes, it would protect CWA, Philadelphia’s and Pittsburgh’s public water systems, and all of the other well-functioning public water and wastewater systems across the state. But Aqua has bought itself a lot of influence in the General Assembly. If we want to get this bill passed, Pennsylvanians like you across the state need to speak out and show your state representatives that you will not tolerate the corporate takeover of your water supply. Together we can save Pennsylvania’s public water.  Thanks for all that you do, More information: Timeline of the Attempted Hostile Takeover, Save CWA |
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