CRWA Advocates for Legislative Priorities at Lobby for the Rivers Day (PRESS RELEASE)
MARCH 15, 2023: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOSTON–Lobby for the Rivers Day is a biennial day of action organized by Massachusetts Rivers Alliance to bring together advocacy staff, volunteers, and constituents from over eighty member organizations across the Commonwealth to push for legislation to protect Massachusetts rivers in a changing climate.
“From droughts to PFAS contamination to sewage releases, the work of cleaning up the Charles River is far from over,“ says Zeus Smith, Policy Advocate for Charles River Watershed Association. “We are excited to connect with our delegation to urge them to prioritize investing in clean water solutions this legislative session.”
“Lobby for the Rivers Day is a powerful demonstration of the strength of the environmental community––over 110 attendees will join virtually today to speak with legislators about the need for better water management and investment in climate adaptation,” says Katharine Lange, Policy Specialist for Massachusetts Rivers Alliance. “Most people will experience climate change through water, whether floods, droughts, or here in Massachusetts, both! It's time that the state updates our laws and regulations to meet the challenges of our climate reality, and ensure we have safe, thriving communities.”
A main priority for the day is garnering support for the Drought Bill (H.861, S.475), or An act relative to maintaining adequate water supplies through effective drought management, sponsored by Representative Joan Meschino and Senator James Eldridge.
“As we saw last summer when severe drought caused some of the lowest water levels ever seen in the Charles River, a patchwork approach to water conservation is not working,” says Zeus Smith. “We look forward to bringing stories of how watershed residents were impacted by drought to stress the critical need for action.”
With climate change, droughts are becoming more frequent, long-lasting, and severe. Yet, in times of drought, the state has no authority to require water conservation. This bill creates a statewide, coordinated drought response––empowering the state to require regional water conservation measures during a declared drought to protect our drinking water supplies, ecosystems, and economy.
“We're grateful to all who have joined us today, with special thanks to the day's legislative sponsors, Senator Jamie Eldridge and Representative Joan Meschino, and to Joint Committee on the Environment Chairs Dan Cahill and Becca Rausch for joining our community today,” says Katharine Lange.
Charles River Watershed Association has five additional legislative priorities, the MVP+ Bill (S.599) sponsored by Senator Cynthia Creem, the Flood Risk Protection Program (H.876, S.557) sponsored by Representative Sarah Peake and Senator Marc Pacheco, the Invasive Species Bill (H.890, S.508) sponsored by Representative Dave Rogers and Senator Pat Jehlen, the Pesticide Bill (H.825, S.487) sponsored by Representative James Hawkins and Senator Paul Feeney, and the Outdoor Recreation Act (H.757, S.488) sponsored by Representative Natalie Blais and Senator Paul Feeney.
Together, these priorities respond to the dual threats of climate change and environmental injustice––offering solutions to protect our communities from drought and flooding, create inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities, and restore a healthy ecosystem. Learn more at CRWA’s Advocacy Center.
Charles River Watershed Association’s mission is to protect, restore and enhance the Charles River and its watershed through science, advocacy, and the law. CRWA develops science-based strategies to increase resilience, protect public health, and promote environmental equity as we confront a changing climate.
Massachusetts Rivers Alliance’s mission is to protect and restore the Commonwealth’s rivers and streams. Founded in 2007, the organization works to strengthen statewide river policies in four areas: water quality, stream flow, wildlife habitat, and investment in green infrastructure.
