Advocacy in Action: Lobby for the Rivers Day 2025
Despite a Nor’easter sweeping through Boston, river advocates from across Massachusetts gathered on Beacon Hill on October 8th for Lobby for the Rivers Day, organized by the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance.
The Neponset River Watershed was proudly represented as participants met with legislators to champion key river and water protection bills.
A huge thank-you to all the volunteers who braved the storm and took time out of their day to speak up for our rivers. Your voices make a real difference.
We’re also grateful to Senators Feeney (lead sponsor of the Nature for All bill) and Miranda, and to Representatives Consalvo, Philips, and Wells for meeting with—or sending staff to meet with—Neponset River advocates.
Read more from the Bay State Banner.
What Was Discussed
- The Drought Management Bill (S.586/H.1003). This bill would authorize the Administration to address emerging drought through common-sense nonessential water restrictions to conserve water for public safety and health needs, as well as streamflow needs.
- The Nature for All Bill (H.901/S.2571). The bill would create a dedicated, annual revenue stream to conserve water, land, urban greenspace, outdoor recreation access, and wildlife in Massachusetts, similar to that found in other states. The bill would set aside revenue from the existing state sales tax on sporting goods to raise $100 million every year for protecting and conserving water and nature, without raising taxes.
- The DER Codification Bill (H.986/S.73). This bill would solidify Massachusetts’ commitment to river and wetland restoration by making DER a permanent part of the Department of Fish and Game. The state Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) partners with municipalities, non-profits, and individual property owners in every corner of our state to connect and restore aquatic habitat. In its first 15 years, DER has helped municipalities and others to remove over 65 dams, restore over 3,000 acres of wetland, upgrade more than 120 culverts across 90 cities and towns, and reconnect 700 miles of river.
- The Flood Disclosure Bill (H.1345/S.753, Walsh/Fernandes) will help protect future home buyers and renters by requiring sellers or landlords to disclose if a property experienced flooding in the past, or is located within a FEMA flood zone. Currently, Massachusetts is one of only 14 states, and the only state in New England, without any sort of flood disclosure requirements. Particularly when flooding has occurred in an unexpected area, such disclosure is crucial for the health and safety of Massachusetts families.
