Catawba Riverkeeper

Advocacy

Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation

Advocacy

At Catawba Riverkeeper, we understand and appreciate that protecting the river requires more than just reacting to problems as they arise. We know that taking proactive steps through legislation, regulation, and local protection is essential for ensuring the future health of our river. The Advocacy team works to create and implement an agenda that will limit and lower future problems that we face in our basin.

Advocacy is a team effort, and we value the active engagement of our members in this mission. Check out our current advocacy agenda below and explore how you can support our advocacy goals!

View Our 2025-2026 Legislative Agenda Here!

Catawba Riverkeeper Advocacy Priorities
North Carolina Priorities:
- Legislation that empowers communities to address stormwater from parking lots and preexisting paved surfaces with out of date stormwater controls.
- State Trail designations and funds to promote public access to navigable waters and ensure waterway safety.
- Restoration programs and funds for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
- Mechanisms and guidelines to address failing dams.
South Carolina Priorities:
- Funding and guidelines for the preservation of State Scenic Rivers.
2026 Election Season
Election season is here! The 2026 elections in North and South Carolina will shape the future of everyday life in our communities and the waterways we depend on. Your vote is a powerful tool to protect the Catawba-Wateree River basin.

North Carolina 2026 primary election key dates:
- 12/1-19: Candidate filing
- 2/6: Voter registration deadline (5pm)
- 2/12: In-person early voting begins
- 2/17: Absentee ballot request deadline (5pm)
- 2/28: In-person early voting ends (3pm)
- 3/3: Primary Election Day and absentee ballot return deadline
Visit the NC Board of Elections to learn more and make your voting plan!

South Carolina 2026 primary election key dates:
- 3/16-30: Candidate filing
- 5/10: Voter registration deadline
- 5/26: In-person early voting begins
- 5/29: Absentee ballot request deadline
- 6/5: In-person early voting ends
- 6/9: Primary Election Day and absentee ballot return deadline
Visit the SC Elections Comission to learn more and make your voting plan!
Take Action!
We need your help! As a community member and constituent, your voice can have a meaningful impact on our river. It is critical that your legislators and neighbors here why plentiful, clean water is important to you.
- Follow your legislators on social media. Comment on their posts, tag them in Riverkeeper posts, share your support for Riverkeeper priorities, and let them know how you feel about their stance on these topics.
- Email your state legislators. Introduce yourself, urge them to support specific Riverkeeper priorities, and explain why you care.
- Write about your experiences, opinions, and ideas through letters to editors, neighborhood newsletters, social media posts, and blogs.
- Attend Riverkeeper events and invite your elected officials, candidates, friends, family, and neighbors.
- As always, support Catawba Riverkeeper!
Find your North Carolina legislators here!
Find your South Carolina legislators here!

Where Is the Bill?

Stay informed and take action with our bill tracking tool!

Click on each tab to easily follow the progress of key bills and learn how your voice can influence legislation to create positive change.

We hope that you will join us in being an advocate for our waters!

HB369: The Parking Reform and Modernization Act

Issue: North Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the country, but many of the regulations that guide this growth haven't kept pace with the needs of our communities or waterways.

Overview: H369 removes outdated off-street parking minimums (ex- 1 parking space per 500 sq ft of retail space) and empowers local governments with MS4 permits to manage runoff during the redevelopment process. This bill aims to lower flood risk, improve water quality, and limit urban sprawl. Parking will still be built, just not overbuilt!

Where's the Bill?: Passed House (107-0) --> Referred to the Senate State and Local Government Committee

Email Your Senator!