Supporting NC House Bill 369: The Parking Lot Reform and Modernization Act

Ellie Riggs • March 13, 2025

Protect our waterways, businesses, and communities from runoff and flooding!

Our Policy Team has been advocating for the protection of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin—and we need your help!

This week, because of our advocacy efforts, North Carolina lawmakers introduced House Bill 369, the Parking Lot Reform and Modernization Act, to address critical water quality, public health, and business concerns across the state. As the bill moves through the legislative process, now is your chance to make your voice heard!

Sign the Petition for Parking Lot Reform and Modernization!

Why Is HB369 Important?

Did you know that just one inch of rainfall on an acre of impervious surface--like a parking lot, which prevents water from soaking into the ground--generates 27,000 gallons of runoff? Much of this runoff rushes into our waterways, carrying pollutants and worsening flooding, erosion, and water quality in our communities.

HB369 aims to reduce this runoff and flooding, protect the health and character of our communities, and support business growth across the state.

What’s in HB369?

HB369 proposes three key changes:

1. Removing parking minimum requirements for developments, which will reduce unnecessary pavement and business costs.

2. Banning the future use of harmful pavement sealants containing high amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, toxic contaminants that pose risks to both human health and the environment.

3. Allowing local governments to improve runoff requirements for redevelopment sites, helping to reduce runoff and flooding in North Carolina communities.

You can read the full bill text here. Read our bill overview here.

What’s Next?

The bill must pass through the House and the Senate before it becomes law. Learn more about how a bill becomes a law here.

Why Your Voice Matters

Remember, legislators are driven by the concerns of people they represent. As a constituent, your voice can directly influence HB369 and other legislation affecting your community. Make a difference today by finding your lawmakers and emailing them to urge support for the Parking Lot Reform and Modernization Act. To make the process as simple as possible, we've created these email templates that you can use to contact your legislators. You can also show your support by signing our petition!

We appreciate everyone who joins us in advocating for the Catawba-Wateree River Basin!

Visit catawbariverkeeper.org/advocacy to learn more.

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Catawba Riverkeeper Welcomes Dr. Mo Drinkard as New Executive Director

December 17, 2025

Catawba Riverkeeper is pleased to announce that Dr. Mo Drinkard has been hired as their new Executive Director. A standout among over 100 applicants, Mo was offered the position by the Catawba Riverkeeper Board of Directors search committee on Thursday, November 20th, and she assumed her role as leader of the organization on Monday, December 1st, 2025. Catawba Riverkeeper Brandon Jones, who participated on the search committee, shared that “Mo’s education, experience, and passion are directly aligned with the organization’s mission and needs. We are excited for her perspective and leadership in continuing the critical work of protecting our waters.” Mo is a mission-driven non-profit leader, professor, and scholar with a passion for building strong organizations, nurturing future leaders, and tackling big challenges in conservation, equity, and education. With over 20 years of experience spanning academia (Kent State University, Brevard College, Miami University), community partnerships, and environmental science, she's worn many hats: executive director, grant writer, program architect, DEIB strategist, faculty and student mentor, and not often enough, field biologist in muddy boots. Mo's work lives at the intersection of applied research and social change. She specializes in transforming great ideas into funded, functional, and impactful programs, whether that’s designing experiential learning curricula, guiding strategic organizational turnarounds, or helping community-based groups access the resources they need to thrive. From leading national workforce development initiatives to restoring urban watersheds (Doan Brook Watershed Partnership) and mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists, Mo brings an entrepreneurial spirit and deep subject matter expertise in biology, ecology, sustainability, and inclusion. Mo believes that science is for everyone, and that real change happens when we build spaces where all voices can lead. “I am honored and excited to offer leadership for the next chapter of Catawba Riverkeeper’s work. I believe deeply in the mission and am fully invested in the health and future of this watershed. I look forward to getting to work supporting the waterways, communities, and people that make up this expansive and impactful basin,” Dr. Drinkard said. Catawba Riverkeeper, currently one of the ten largest riverkeeper organizations in the United States, boasts over 8,000 members across the 26 counties of North and South Carolina where the waters of the Catawba flow. As the fifth Executive Director of the organization, Mo will bring new and innovative ways to advance the work of her predecessors and the mission of the organization in this new chapter of Catawba Riverkeeper’s leadership. Mo will be supported by 11 full-time staff and 22 volunteer board members to preserve, protect, and restore the Catawba River so that it sustains plentiful, clean water for generations to come.