Welcome to “Back in Session,” a podcast focused on exploring various state-level policies and legislation shaping our nation, one state at a time. Join our hosts, Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara from Duane Morris Government Strategies, as they engage a diverse range of guests to bring you behind the scenes of the legislative process.
Whether you are a policy wonk looking to dive into recent legislative developments, or a curious citizen interested in getting to learn more about the issues in your state and beyond, “Back in Session” is the podcast for you. Each episode offers fresh perspectives, shedding light on challenges and opportunities that shape policy landscapes in states around the country.
Subscribe now to stay informed on the always- evolving policy landscape in states around the country.
In this episode of Back In Session, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara dive deep into the work of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) with guests Drew Dehoff and Stacey Hanrahan. From managing AI’s impact on water usage to restoring American eel populations, the SRBC plays a critical role in the health and sustainability of one of America’s most vital waterways. You’ll hear about the Commission’s unique structure, its real-world impact on local communities, and why protecting the Susquehanna isn’t just about the environment—it’s about the future.
About the SRBC:
The mission of the Commission, which is defined in the Compact, is to enhance public welfare through comprehensive planning, water supply allocation, and management of the water resources of the Susquehanna River Basin.
To accomplish this mission, the Commission works to: reduce damages caused by floods; provide for the reasonable and sustained development and use of surface and ground water for municipal, agricultural, recreational, commercial and industrial purposes; protect and restore fisheries, wetlands and aquatic habitat; protect water quality and instream uses; and ensure future availability of flows to the Chesapeake Bay.
Learn more:
In this insightful episode of the Back In Session podcast, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara chat with Drew Dehoff and Stacey Hanrahan from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC). The conversation covers everything from regional water management and climate challenges to surprising ecological programs—like giving kids baby eels to raise in school! You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for one of the oldest rivers in the world and the unsung heroes protecting it.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Why the SRBC Exists
- Formed after droughts and increased water demands in the 1960s, the SRBC balances economic growth and environmental sustainability across NY, PA, and MD.
- AI’s Thirst for Water
- With hyperscale data centers on the rise, SRBC faces a new challenge: regulating massive water usage for AI computing—before it’s a full-blown issue.
- Fracking to Eels: Adapting with the Times
- SRBC’s flexibility is on display—whether addressing fracking in the 2000s or now tracking invasive species and restoring American eel populations.
- Floods, Droughts & 100-Year Storms
- Originally created for drought management, SRBC’s role expanded after Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972 to include flood prevention tools and early warning systems.
- Regulating Without Overlapping
- SRBC coordinates with state and federal agencies but avoids duplication—focusing solely on water quantity and leaving quality to DEP and EPA.
- Real-Time Transparency
- From live river cams to public dashboards, SRBC builds public trust through transparency.
- Water = Everything
- Power plants, agriculture, manufacturing, development—it all needs water. SRBC ensures the entire basin can keep operating smoothly and sustainably.
- Fun Fact
- The Susquehanna River is one of the world’s oldest rivers and the longest non-navigable river in the U.S.—making it perfect for hydroelectric power but not your yacht.
Latest News
In the latest episode of Back in Session, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara talk with Anne Gingerich, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), about how budget uncertainty at both the [...]
In this episode of Back in Session, Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara welcome New Jersey Assemblyman Mike Inganamort for a wide-ranging and energizing conversation about life in the Garden State and the real challenges facing small-town [...]
Inside the Vault: Unclaimed Property, 529 Plans & PA’s Fiscal Health with PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity
In this episode of Back in Session, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara sit down with Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacey Garrity for a wide-ranging conversation. From her 30-year military service to her rise in the private [...]
In this episode of Back in Session, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara welcome Anne Dudro and Luc Montminy, the newest members of Duane Morris Government Strategies. From policy consulting to working at the White House [...]
Stay In Touch