Urgent Action: Proposed Energy Bill Would Harm Water– Call + Email your Senator Today
Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared that the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 threatens our environment, public health, and climate. Now that the senate is back in session, it is more important than ever that your senator hears from you. You can still email your senator with 6 critical reasons to say no using this simple form. Thanks to the hundreds of you who have already sent in the form! Want to do more? Making a phone call to your senators will send an even stronger message. We have made it easy to find out who your senators are, what their phone numbers are, and created talking points for you to use – You can do all of that here!
Support Freshwater Future–Donate to Our Walk, Paddle, and Roll Fundraiser!
The Freshwater Future staff is committed to ensuring everyone has access to clean, safe, and affordable water from source to tap. But we can’t do it without the help of people like you! You can make a difference by donating today to the Walk, Paddle, and Roll and help us reach our goal of $5,000.
Together, your generous donation and Freshwater Future’s work will:
- Support on-the-ground water projects in local communities that protect or restore drinking water, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and shorelines with grants and technical assistance (watch Grant Q&A webinar),
- Keep Great Lake residents informed of threats to waters (see article below on the bad energy bill) and what they can do to protect their communities and families, and
- Work for policy solutions that protect our drinking waters and waterways.
Join Us on September 17th! Water Wars: How Corporations Play the Long Game
Great Lakes public water systems continue to face the threat of corporate takeovers – and Pennsylvania is ground zero. On September 17th at 7 pm ET, join leaders in the campaigns to prevent the corporate takeover of water resources in this webinar that will reveal the strategies of the privatizers and discuss the strategies used by community members to keep public water systems public.
Did You Miss the Fall Project Grant Webinar? No Worries, Recording Available!
There is still time to apply for a Fall Project Grant from Freshwater Future. A recording of the Grants Q&A Webinar can be found here. Project grants provide financial support for community groups working to promote drinking water, river, lake, shoreline, wetland, and groundwater protection in the Great Lakes Basin through grassroots advocacy efforts. If you are interested in applying, call Freshwater Future staff to share more about your project grant proposal idea. Contact Laurie Breighner, laurie@freshwaterfuture.org or (231)348-8200 ext. 1, to check your eligibility, help with your application, or to ask questions. You can learn more about our Fall Project Grants here.
Invasive Aquatic Plant Found in Canada for the First Time
Hydrilla, a highly invasive aquatic plant, has been found for the first time in Canada at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area in Leamington, Ontario. Hydrilla is super fast-growing choking waterways and outcompeting local plants. The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) and its partners are working to contain the infestation, which is currently limited to a section of the marsh. As a preventive measure, the affected area is closed to the public. You can help prevent the spread of hydrilla by cleaning boats, reporting sightings, and avoiding the contaminated zone. Community members are encouraged to learn how to identify and report hydrilla to help safeguard the Great Lakes from further invasion.
