It’s been almost 22 years since former Gov. William Weld famously plunged into the raw-sewage-free Charles River to celebrate the Rivers Protection Act. However, he may not be the last politician to do so.
City Councilor-at-Large Emily Norton, who recently was named executive director of the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), pledged to take the leap herself, if need be.
“If jumping into the Charles River fully clothed [like Weld] will further the goals for the CRWA in terms of clean water and environmental sustainability then yes, I will happily do it,” she said, laughing.
Norton will be leaving her job as director of the Massachusetts chapter of the Sierra Club to begin her new position.
The “CRWA, formed in 1965, uses science, advocacy and the law to safeguard the 80-mile length of the Charles and its environs as it courses through 23 cities and towns from Hopkinton to Boston,” according to a press release.
Norton, a Harvard Kennedy School graduate, is eager to begin working at the CRWA and getting up to speed on the organization’s projects.
“It’s a very science-based organization,” she said, adding she looks forward to learning more since science is “being ignored at the national level.”
Flooding is of particular concern with the Charles, she said.
“In the era of climate change I think the CRWA can play a role in making it very vivid what is coming if we don’t act,” said Norton.
She said she will work to be sure “the organization uses its clout to advocate” as well as partner with other organizations on clean energy, green infrastructure and training political leaders.
While working with the Sierra Club, she helped boost the state chapter’s profile.
“I certainly learned a lot on the job about how advocacy works on Beacon Hill,” where she met many environmental officials.
“I have a very large network now” of government officials and advocacy groups, she said. “So much of this work is about relationships” and trust.
As for how the public can get involved with the ongoing efforts to protect the Charles, there are numerous volunteer opportunities including helping with cleanups and monitoring water quality, among others.
“We have such a gem,” said Norton.