RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
ACTION ALERT: Advocate for budget amendments to support the watershed!
The FY25 House budget debate has begun, and we need your help! We urge you to encourage your legislators to support two crucial budget amendments that will strengthen our watershed's climate resilience and sustainability.
Five Priority Bills Voted Out Favorably
Five priority bills were voted out of their respective committees and are now before the House/Senate Ways and Means committees.
Newton City Council Unanimously Votes “No” on PFAS
Exploring Rights of Nature for the Charles River
Thank you to all who attended our fireside chat on Rights of Nature with Hartman Deetz of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, and moderated by Boston Area Sustainability Group, at Venture Cafe in Cambridge.
Charles River Watershed Association Celebrates Climate Chief Hoffer’s Recommendations, Calls for Watershed Planning and Restoration (PRESS STATEMENT)
We are pleased to see first-in-the-nation Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer’s urgent report, which outlines dozens of recommendations for state action to coordinate efforts across agencies to meet the Commonwealth’s ambitious climate goals and reduce emissions.
CSO Briefing: Ending Sewage Discharges in Rivers
Exciting New Bill Promises to Generate $55 Million Annually to Address Inequities in Access to Outdoor Recreation & Bolster Climate Resilience (PRESS RELEASE)
Many communities in Massachusetts enjoy a wealth of year-round outdoor recreational opportunities, yet stark disparities exist in access to outdoor recreation––underserved and Environmental Justice communities see fewer investments in parks, trails, and open spaces.
DCR, DFG Tour Watertown Dam!
Thank you to MA Department & Conservation Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo and MA Department of Fish & Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea for joining us for a tour of Watertown Dam to learn more about this exciting opportunity for urban river restoration!
First in the Nation Biodiversity Goals!
Kudos to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for announcing much-needed, ambitious biodiversity conservation targets.
Wetlands Abloom, and Exciting News for Preserving Biodiversity
Did you know wetlands hold over 40% of the world's biodiversity? At this point in the summer, our watershed's wetlands are awash with life––filled with lush greenery, blooms, and birdsong
Progress Toward A Swimmable Charles!
Thank you to all who joined us at Portico Brewing Company to present our annual 2022 Water Quality Report and launch the Dam Free Ale, a collaboration beer highlighting our work to improve migratory fish passage.
Momentum Building for Bill to Regulate Pesticide Use on Public Properties (PRESS RELEASE)
CRWA is pleased to report that An Act Relative to Pesticides (H.825/S.487), sponsored by Representative James Hawkins and Senator Paul Feeney, has received a favorable vote by the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and has moved to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Climate Solutions On + Off the Screen
$585K for Charles River Priorities!
We are pleased to announce numerous Charles River priorities are included in the final Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget!
Congresswoman Katharine Clark joins CRWA to announce $400K in federal funding for Climate Solutions!
This vital funding will be put straight to work protecting our communities from climate impacts.
Investing in Climate Resilience & River Health
We applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for significant investments in the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant program, the State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Program (SHMCAP), and the Clean Water Trust Revolving Fund in the Commonwealth’s FY24 Five-Year Capital Investment Plan.
ACTION ALERT: Help Cities & Towns Prepare for Climate Change
Nearly 99% of Massachusetts municipalities participate in the MVP program and must compete for limited funds for projects, and communities cannot pursue adaptation at the speed and scale necessary to protect our neighborhoods. The MVP+ Bill (S.599), sponsored by Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton), would rapidly expand the program in capacity and scope.
Legislature Considering Expansion of Popular Climate Change Readiness Program (PRESS RELEASE)
An Act to incentivize the adoption of local climate resilience policies (S.599), known as the MVP+ Bill and sponsored by Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton), establishes an MVP Trust Fund to increase program capacity and creates an additional category of MVP+ communities,
Advocacy Update
It’s been a busy month at the State House! Listen to our recent testimonies for CRWA’s legislative priorities.
Supreme Court Slashes Clean Water Act Protections
In today’s decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the court radically redefined which waters are protected by the Clean Water Act, leaving nearly 51% of wetlands and 18% of streams without protections nationwide.