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!
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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Contact Information
102 Main Street, Suite 100, McAdenville, NC 28101
EIN#: 56-2034780
