Win! Federal Great Lakes + Environmental Justice Staff Reinstated
Good news! When we asked you to contact your representatives to demand that the Environmental Protection Agency staff at the Great Lakes regional office and environmental justice workers be reinstated – not only did you come through, but your voices were numerous and strong enough to be heard. Some staff at EPA’s Great Lakes office and the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights were called back to work in recent weeks. Freshwater Future thanks everyone who took action. See more federal environmental justice updates below.
Applications Open for Canadian Freshwater Sustainability and Innovation Projects
Canada’s Water Agency is accepting applications until April 10th, 2025 to the EcoAction Stream 2: Freshwater Sustainability and Innovation program. If your community organization is working to address freshwater data challenges like improving access to information or interested in piloting innovative and/or clean technology solutions, check out the program details and requirements. Freshwater Future encourages any of our amazing Canadian partners to seek this opportunity to fund your innovative work.
Biggest Deregulatory Effort in History
This week, the Environmental Protection Agency announced the “Biggest Deregulatory Action in U.S. History” – a move that jeopardizes our water, air, and public health. The plan includes eliminating environmental justice staff and offices, fast tracking coal ash permits, and loosening Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. These sweeping rule changes should trigger public comment periods and Freshwater Future will keep you up to date with opportunities to voice your concerns about deregulation.
Great Lakes Agreements on the Chopping Block?
The Trump administration threatened changing or abandoning long-standing agreements, some stretching over the past century, governing the shared waters between the United States and Canada. These treaties that regulate environmental protection, water usage, and trade concerns, are critical for managing our Great Lakes. Binational management of these incredible resources that hold over 20% of the Earth’s fresh surface water now hinges on tense diplomatic negotiations. Freshwater Future believes it is our obligation to protect and work within these historic agreements to steward these waters for future generations. Stay tuned for updates.
EPA to Reduce Federal Wetlands Protections Even Further
Almost two years ago, the Supreme Court ruled to significantly reduce federal wetlands protections by limiting the definition of the “waters of the United States” in the Clean Water Act (Sackett vs. EPA). This week, the EPA announced forthcoming additional revisions that narrow the definition, eliminating protections for even more wetlands. Wetlands provide flood control, pollutant reduction for surface waters, groundwater recharge, and wildlife habitat. Without adequate regulations, these critical functions will be lost resulting in significant economic impacts. We will keep you updated as public comment opportunities are announced
Don’t Miss Out on These Freshwater Opportunities:
Register to Virtually Attend the All About Water Convening on March 27th
Register for Mindfulness & Movement on March 27th at 8:30am
REMINDER: Grant Deadline March 31st for Spring Project Grants
