Maria Russo

Maria Russo is the Policy Specialist at the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, where she advances state and federal policies that prioritize environmental health and center the voices of directly impacted communities. At West Virginia Rivers, Russo played a key role in the passage and implementation of the PFAS Protection Act, landmark legislation addressing ‘forever chemical’ contamination in drinking water across West Virginia. Her work also includes efforts to strengthen flood resilience, secure funding for water infrastructure, and support community‑led watershed initiatives. In addition, Russo serves as the West Virginia State Lead for the Choose Clean Water Coalition, promoting restoration of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and its upstream headwaters. Russo is grounded in the belief that access to safe, clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, and she works at the intersection of water quality, community engagement, and public health to strengthen the health and resiliency of communities.

West Virginia Rivers Coalition is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving and restoring West Virginia’s exceptional rivers and streams while advocating for safe, clean water for all residents. Founded in 1990, WV Rivers works at the intersection of legislative engagement, science‑based advocacy, and grassroots engagement to protect water quality and public health across the state. The organization advances protective environmental policies, monitors industrial threats to water resources, supports community‑led watershed initiatives, and promotes investments in drinking water, wastewater infrastructure, and flood resilience. Through education, coalition‑building, and legislative advocacy, WV Rivers elevates the voices of impacted communities and ensures decision‑making is guided by science and the public interest. The work at WV Rivers helps safeguard statewide water resources, strengthen ecosystem health, and improve the sustainability of communities throughout West Virginia.