RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
Action Alert: Act Before May 19 To Protect Mass Parks & Environmental Agencies From Funding Cuts
It is budget season, and unfortunately, our air, water, and lands are under attack. Send a message of support to your Senator asking them to support these vital amendments to invest in our parks and the environmental agencies.
Action Alert: Oppose The Anti-Wetlands Amendments In The Mass Ready Act
Beacon Hill is moving toward passing the Mass Ready Act with the last-minute addition of "Anti-Wetlands Amendments" that threaten to strip away 54 years of environmental progress. These amendments would preempt local wetlands bylaws for "priority housing" projects, undermining important protections across the Commonwealth. Ask your Representative to REVERSE these amendments!
Action Alert: Take Action To Fund Mass Parks, Dam Removal, & More!
On Wednesday, April 15, the House Ways and Means Committee released its proposed FY2027 budget (H.5500). They have proposed a huge CUT to the budget of the Mass Dept of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in their FY27 budget. This matches what Governor Healey has proposed.
Action Alert: Act Now For Climate Resilience!
This Wednesday, April 15, our state legislature is debating a bill related to protecting us all from flooding, heat, and extreme storms. The bill is S. 3050, An Act to Build Resilience for Massachusetts Communities. We are urging support for several critical amendments that will protect our communities, water resources, and the environment.
ACTION ALERT: Show Your Support for Dam Removal!
Submit a comment to DCR before December 19, urging them to proceed with the removal of the Watertown Dam!
ACTION ALERT: Speak Up Once More for Climate Adaptation Research in the Northeast
Once again, our partner is under attack. CRWA and thousands of others rely on NE CASC research to accurately respond to climate change, but their funding is frozen as Trump tries to reappropriate their $14M budget to unrelated projects.
ACTION ALERT: Protect Wildlife and End The Use Of Toxic Rodenticides (SGARs)
Restrict the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) to protect wildlife, our environment, and community!
ACTION ALERT: Comment in Support of Removal of Watertown Dam
Following the public meeting on September 25th, at which the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (Mass DCR) presented the Alternatives Analysis Study results on the Watertown Dam, a comment period has been opened for community feedback. You have until October 17 to make your voice heard!
ACTION ALERT: Show your support for more testing after a CSO event!
Today, the House of Representatives is voting on the Economic Development Bond Bill. Please encourage your legislators to support this amendment to set a precedent for more testing and funding to end combined sewer overflows.
ACTION ALERT: We need your support to pass the omnibus climate bill!
The 96-page climate bill reaches across topics like clean energy, plastic bags, flood risks, and drought. Senators will vote on Thursday, June 20th, meaning we need your help now!
ACTION ALERT: Show Support at the First Official Watertown Square Vote
CRWA and Housing for All Watertown encourage all who support more housing, a more walkable and bikeable community and a more vibrant downtown to join the first official Watertown Square vote in person or by Zoom to advocate for its passage.
ACTION ALERT: Write to MEPA showing support for the removal of the South Natick Dam.
The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office is allowing community members to show their support for the removal of the South Natick Dam, which was rated to be in “poor condition” by the MA Office of Dam Safety. We need your help demonstrating community support for removing the Charles River Dam in South Natick.
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.
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.
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.
Advocacy Update
It’s been a busy month at the State House! Listen to our recent testimonies for CRWA’s legislative priorities.
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.
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!