RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
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.
Charles River in the Budget!
We are so pleased to announce several budget successes! Final budget negotiations will soon be underway, and we’re advocating for this critical funding to be included.
TAKE ACTION: Urge Legislators to Create the Flood Risk Protection Program
We need your help––share why you support the creation of the Flood Risk Protection Program to protect our watershed from catastrophic flood damage.
Protect Communities from Flooding & Preserve River Health (PRESS RELEASE)
Charles River Watershed Association will join with partner advocates to urge the Joint Committee of Environment and Natural Resources to support and move these important bills forward on Wednesday, May 16th at 12:30 PM at the Massachusetts State House.
Charles River Watershed Association Urges Swift Action on Lethal Rodenticides (PRESS RELEASE)
Charles River Watershed Association will join with countless advocates to urge the Joint Committee of Environment and Natural Resources to report An Act Relative to Pesticides (HB.825, SB.487) favorably at the hearing on Wednesday, May 10th at 1PM at the Massachusetts State House.
Rights of Nature - WBUR
“Rights of Nature would be a powerful voice for protection and stewardship of the river," says Jennifer Ryan, Deputy Director of Advocacy.
ACTION ALERT: Charles River in the Budget!
The House budget debate is well underway––and we need you to take action! Speak up for budget amendments that will steward a healthier, more resilient watershed. Find your Representative and give them a call today!
Solutions for Future Flooding in Natick & Wellesley
Thank you to all who attended our webinar about Charles River Flood Model Priority Projects in Natick & Wellesley!
Charles River Legislative Briefing
Thank you for joining us for our briefing on our six legislative priorities–the Drought Management Bill, MVP+ Bill, Outdoor Recreation Act, Flood Reduction Protection Act, Invasive Species Bill (H.890, S.508), and Pesticide Bill.
Charles River Climate Adaptation Briefing
Thank you to all who attended our Charles River Climate Adaptation Briefing, hosted with Rep. Thomas Stanley!
CRWA Advocates for Legislative Priorities at Lobby for the Rivers Day (PRESS RELEASE)
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.
Tragic Death of Bald Eagle by Poisoned by Lethal Rodenticides
We are heartbroken by the recent tragic and unnecessary death of yet another bald eagle in the greater Boston region. This is now the third bald eagle poisoned by rodenticides in Massachusetts in two years––underscoring the critical need to ban these poisons as a means of pest control.