Coastal Issues

Cantwell was recognized as a leader for coastal communities, serving as co-chair of the Legislature's Coastal Caucus,^[10] a board member of the National Institute for Coastal and Harbor Infrastructure (NICHI)^[11] and representing Massachusetts at the 2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference^[12] as part of the America's Pledge efforts to reaffirm American commitment to the Paris Climate Accords.^[13]

Cantwell's persistent^[14] pursuit of coastal resiliency solutions led to the passage of a $17 million costal infrastructure bond bill,^[15] later expanded upon with a $1.4 Billion environmental bond bill to support climate adaptation.^[16]

His advocacy for coastal communities also includes helping to create the Seafood-Marketing Committee.^[17]

Opioid Crisis

Cantwell was also noted for his work to combat the opioid epidemic, pushing for increased access to recovery coaches^{[18] [19]} and co-chairing the Promote Prevent Commission^[20] created by his legislation.^[21]

Infrastructure

Cantwell's also worked to get the Department of Transportation to begin a widening project for Route 139 in Marshfield.^[22]

After the Fukushima nuclear accident, Cantwell led efforts calling for more robust emergency planning surrounding the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station.^[23]

Committee Assignments

In his final term, Cantwell served as the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, a member of the Joint Committee on Education, and a member of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing.^[24]

In prior sessions, Cantwell sat on the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture; the Joint Committee on Financial Services, the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, ^[25] the House Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, the Joint Committee on Revenue, the Joint Committee on Financial Services,^[4] and the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business.^[26]