After taking a break last year, Lobby for the Rivers Day is back and in-person on October 8. We hope you can join NSRWA and river advocates from all over the state as we meet with legislators to highlight the issues that matter most to us. By showing up, we are helping to make river protection, climate and environmental issues a priority for state lawmakers. This is such a great way to get involved, connect with others, and take meaningful steps toward a healthier future for our rivers and our communities.
Previous lobbying experience is not required! Mass Rivers Alliance has an online toolkit to help you prepare for these meetings and they will be offering webinar trainings as the date draws closer.
Registration is open. This will be a full day event at the State House and Mass Rivers will try to schedule meetings at times that are most convenient for registrants. Be sure to note any time constraints on the online form.
Here are some of the pieces of legislation we will cover at Lobby for the Rivers Day:
Drought Bill
The Drought Bill (S.586 / H.1003) has been one of NSRWA’s top legislative priorities for the last few years. It would create a consistent, data-driven approach across the state in order to have a real impact on streamflow levels during times of drought. The bill currently has 40 co-sponsors, including South Shore legislators Senator Keenan and Representative Meschino.
Environmental Bond Bill
Governor Healey’s proposal for the Environmental Bond Bill (S.2542) is making its way through the legislative process and we are advocating to include drought management as an outside section, as well as strengthening the existing language around streamlining the permit process for salt marsh restoration and ensuring a balance between much-needed housing and environmental protection. We will be watching this bill closely as it allocates billions of dollars for environmental initiatives through state issued bonds and it only comes around once every 5 years.
Nature for All Bill
The Nature for All Bill (H.901 / S.2571) would set aside revenue from the existing sporting goods sales tax to dedicate $100 million each year for the purposes of land acquisition, the restoration or improvement of nature for water resources, to create parks and trails; for forests, farms, wildlife habitat; and to advance climate resiliency and environmental justice goals. It’s supported by a broad and diverse coalition.
Massachusetts Biodiversity Goals published
Massachusetts Biodiversity Goals will accelerate the pace of restoration to bring over 75% of the most important habitats for species back to health, remove at least 10% of dams and upgrade 2,500+ culverts for fish and wildlife passage, and restore degraded salt marshes and marine habitats.