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- Legislation that empowers communities to address stormwater from parking lots and preexisting paved surfaces with out of date stormwater controls.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.
- Additional funding for NC State Extension agents to help poultry farmers write waste management plans.
South Carolina Priorities:
- Funding and guidelines for the preservation of State Scenic Rivers.
2025 Municipal Elections
Election season is here! This fall, local elections across 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 key dates:
- 8/15: September Primary Election Registration Deadline
- 8/21-9/6: September Primary Election Early Voting (Absentee ballot request deadline is 8/26)
- 9/9: September Primary Election Day (Absentee ballot return deadline)
- 9/12: October Primary Election Registration Deadline
- 9/18-10/4: October Primary Election Early Voting (Absentee ballot request deadline is 9/23)
- 10/7: October Primary Election Day (Absentee ballot return deadline)
- 10/10: General Election Registration Deadline
- 10/16-11/1: General Election Early Voting (Absentee ballot request deadline is 10/21)
- 11/4: General Election Day (Absentee ballot return deadline)
Visit the NC Board of Elections to learn more and make your voting plan!

South Carolina key dates:
- 10/5: General Election Registration Deadline
- 10/20-10/31: General Election Early Voting (Absentee ballot request deadline is 10/24)
- 11/4: General Election Day (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

HB369 passed the House of Representatives unanimously and is heading to the Senate! More updates coming soon.

HB369, the Parking Lot Reform and Modernization Act, aims to reduce water pollution and flooding from runoff on parking lots and other impervious surfaces across North Carolina. The bill eliminates off-street parking minimum requirements (learn more here, here, and here) and provides guidance to local governments on managing runoff during redevelopment. Read the bill text and our overview to learn more!

SB329: Recognizing the South Fork Passage State Trail

Big win in Raleigh! The language from SB329 was added to HB23 which passed, establishing the South Fork Passage State Trail as the newest state trail in North Carolina.

The South Fork Passage State Trail is a 60-mile paddling, hiking, and cycling trail from Jacob Fork Park (Catawba County) to Daniel Stowe Conservancy (Gaston County). The trail will help boost local economies and conserve the character, history, and natural resources of the region while enhancing existing recreational and educational opportunities for 20%

Thank you to all of the legislators that voted for the conservation of our natural resources, expansion of recreation opportunities, and growth of local economies.