ADVOCACY CENTER
Take action for our river.
DROUGHT MANAGEMENT BILL
Sponsored by Rep. Meschino & Sen. Eldridge (H.861, S.475)
In July 2022, a severe, flash drought caused sections of the Charles River to run completely dry. And 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.
Climate Resilience.
PROTECTING OUR FUTURE
FLOOD RISK PROTECTION PROGRAM
Sponsored by Rep. Peake & Sen. Pacheco (H.876, S.557)
Increased precipitation and severe storms mean more flooding, and, in our highly urbanized watershed home to over a million people, homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure are vulnerable to flood damage.
This bill would create a commission to study and implement a program to acquire and restore flood-prone areas to empower property owners and renters to move out of harm’s way, create new outdoor recreation opportunities, restore wildlife habitat, and increase statewide resiliency.
Climate change isn’t coming––it’s here. Drought, increased precipitation, extreme heat, and severe storms are already impacting our communities. We’re advocating for proactive resilience measures to protect our most vulnerable residents from climate risks.
STATEWIDE CLIMATE RESILIENCE
The Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program provides essential support for cities and towns to plan for the impacts of climate change and implement priority projects.
Together, with the Massachusetts MVP Coalition we are advocating to increase the amount of funding for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program to at least $100 million per year to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s 351 communities.
MVP+ BILL
Sponsored by Sen. Creem (S.599)
The Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) provides essential funding for climate resilience planning to 93% of Massachusetts municipalities. However, demand for limited funds far outstrips supply.
This bill would establish an MVP Trust Fund and greatly increase program capacity by creating an additional category of MVP+ communities, which commit to the same resilience measures while also completing community-led resilience-building processes and incorporating climate resilience into building and residential codes.
OUTDOOR RECREATION ACT
Sponsored by Rep. Blais & Sen. Feeney (H.757, S.488)
The importance of outdoor recreation cannot be overstated––thriving safe parks, healthy forests, and accessible trails create healthier communities. Yet, stark disparities exist in access to outdoor recreation––underserved and Environmental Justice communities are left behind.
The time is now to invest in our vision of the outdoors for all–the Outdoor Recreation Act will give the new Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation the support it needs to create a flourishing, equitable outdoor recreation system and economy, with priority for Environmental Justice and underserved communities.
The People’s River.
A CHARLES RIVER FOR ALL
PROTECTING PUBLIC ACCESS
Public access is a public good––all people regardless of income, background, and experience deserve equitable access to the river. But our public spaces are under threat—just when we need them the most.
Chapter 91 is the Commonwealth’s primary tool to protect and promote public use of its tidelands and waterways. Built upon the long-standing public trust doctrine–– that the sea and shore belong to no one person but to the public––Chapter 91 has played a critical role in ensuring that our riverfronts and waterfronts are not privatized for a select few, but rather remain resources for all to enjoy.
Defending our watershed’s vital riverfront and public lands, and your right to access them. We advocate for equitable access to our river, restoration of our environment, and the preservation of open space, in perpetuity, for the public good.
TACKLING INVASIVE SPECIES
Sponsored by Rep. Rogers & Sen. Jehlen (H.890, S.508)
Fast-growing, non-native plants, animals, and insects that take over the ecosystem, invasive species reduce biodiversity, degrade water quality, harm flood resilience, kill mature trees, and destroy wildlife habitat.
This bill would create a comprehensive statewide management approach to invasive species including necessary monitoring, removal, and funding to effectively tackle this widespread problem.
A Healthy Environment.
RESTORING OUR WATERSHED
REMOVING DEFUNCT DAMS
The consequences of dams are numerous–today the river suffers impaired water quality, impeded fish passage, and flooding hazards due to the presence of functionless dams.
We’re building grassroots support for the removal of defunct dams to restore fish passage, create climate resilience, and heal the river ecosystem with a focus on Watertown Dam, Charles River Dam in Natick, and Eagle Dam in Wrentham.
Removing defunct dams, tackling invasive species, daylighting streams, and more to restore natural ecology and build climate resilience.
PROTECTING WILDLIFE FROM PESTICIDES
Sponsored by Rep. Hawkins & Sen. Feeney (H.825, S.487)
In just two short years, three bald eagles have been poisoned by lethal rodenticides. In 2021, a female bald eagle was found dead in her nest on the Charles River. Then another in 2022. Now, a beloved eagle who nested on the Mystic Lakes. Lethal rodenticides, which are widely used, disrupt the delicate ecosystem and threaten not only raptors, but dogs, cats, and even children.
This bill would require applicators to report the use of lethal rodenticides and for publicly-owned properties, like elementary schools, to consider other pest management options to create a safer environment for all.
