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Inland Bays Foundation establishes Austin-Moyer Citizens Advocacy Program

January 27, 2019

The Inland Bays Foundation is establishing the Austin-Moyer Citizens Advocacy Program as a memorial to John Austin and Bill Moyer to continue their legacy of working to protect the environment and fighting for better water quality in the Inland Bays.

Frances Hart, IBF president, said, "Citizen-led environmental groups often need legal resources to understand, monitor and challenge state and county administrative functions and rulings. The Austin-Moyer Citizens Advocacy Program will help provide this support through an ongoing donation to the Delaware Law School Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic, directed by professor Ken Kristl."

In accepting the donation, Kristl said, “The clinic is honored to be the recipient of the IBF’s donation. John Austin and Bill Moyer were tireless advocates for the environment in Delaware. Having had the privilege of working on several matters with John and Bill, I look forward to furthering their legacy of citizen advocacy in partnership with IBF.”

Delaware Law School students will take on citizen activist issues vetted by Kristl and the IBF board. Projects may include Citizen Guides to NPDES permitting and DNREC regulatory hearings, research and writing support for legal issues resulting from local hearings, or cases in which citizens groups are involved.

Austin was a great advocate for the environment throughout his professional life at the Environmental Protection Agency, and after his retirement, for the Delaware Inland Bays. His scientific expertise greatly enhanced  efforts to fight for better water quality. He provided invaluable support to Sussex County citizens at many public forums and hearings. He was a founding member of IBF and its science coordinator for many years.

Moyer was a resolute steward of the environment, retiring in 2004 as manager of the Wetlands and Subaqueous Lands Section for the State of Delaware. He continued his passion for protecting the environment through consulting and serving as president of the Inland Bays Foundation.

The Austin-Moyer Citizens Advocacy  Program  will empower Sussex County citizens  who are following their lead.

The Inland Bays Foundation advocates for and promotes the restoration of the Inland Bays watershed by conducting public outreach and education, tracking restoration efforts, encouraging scientific inquiry and sponsoring needed research in order to establish a long-term process for the protection and enhancement of the Inland Bays. Visit  inlandbaysfoundation.org.

Widener University Delaware Law School, the only law school in the state, is an integral part of Delaware's unique legal culture which prizes civility and respect within the bench and bar. The Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic provides students with the opportunity to prepare for practice by working with the clinic director to represent not-for-profit organizations and individuals who seek to protect the environment. Learn more at delawarelaw.widener.edu.

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