Take Actions: Together, Our Voices Make a Difference
Last Chance: Tell the U.S. EPA to Leave Our Clean Water Protections Alone
The U.S. EPA is accepting public comments on whether they should start a new rulemaking process for Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, which protects Waters of the United States from pollution. This is consequential because the federal government may roll-back existing water pollution and wetland protections in favor of fast-tracking destructive projects. You can help–tell the U.S. EPA that a new rulemaking process is NOT needed and to continue using the 2023 Rule for Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. Comments are due next week on August 6th – visit our action page for submission instructions!
Next Week: Support Strong CAFO Permits in Michigan for Clean Water
The severe environmental impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), factory farms that produce massive quantities of manure, contributing to water contamination, are well-documented. Last year, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) authority to impose stringent conditions on CAFOs was upheld in court. Now, EGLE is asking the public to weigh in on permitting for CAFOs in a public meeting (in-person or virtual) on August 8th at 9 am ET.
You can support clean water and Freshwater Future, an intervenor in the case, by giving comments that support the strongest possible permits for CAFOs. To help you write your statement, attend the meeting, and submit the comments, Freshwater Future is hosting a quick lunchtime training webinar on August 6th at 12 pm ET. For questions or more information, reach out to Kristen Haitaian, Kristen@freshwaterfuture.org.
New: Support Improved Equity in the Michigan Water Fund
The Michigan State Revolving Fund program, which helps communities keep water safe, clean, and affordable, needs improved definitions of overburdened and significantly overburdened communities to ensure these dollars reach the communities most in need. This means focusing more on measures of poverty rather than household income or property values. Every three years, the public can urge EGLE to make improvements, and the comment period is now open! Provide verbal comments at the August 11th listening session (register) or submit a written one with our quick form!
Highlighting Lake Erie In August
Protect What You Love – Share #WeAreLakeErie on social media this August
Starting August 1st, Freshwater Future, partners, and advocates will launch #WeAreLakeErie, a month-long social media campaign to spotlight issues like HABs and Lake Erie’s importance to the environment, biodiversity, economy, recreation, and well-being. We invite you to celebrate and give Lake Erie love during August on social media. Use the hashtag #WeAreLakeErie on social media and encourage your friends, family, and network to share their love of Lake Erie with photos, stories, and videos.
Virtual Blue Community Conversations
Lake Erie – August 11th, 12-1 pm ET
Please join us for this informal and open discussion on the current challenges and issues facing water organizations, communities, and advocates. It’s also a chance to share approaches that are working and other ideas. Everyone is welcome, but pre-registration is required. Register here!
We plan to host similar events for each lake, so stay tuned for upcoming dates
Get Ready for Walk, Paddle, and Roll!
On August 15th, Freshwater Future will kick off our annual Walk, Paddle, and Roll Fundraiser! There are three ways to participate – donate, participate and raise money as an individual, or form your own campaign to raise funds for your organization! Contact Leslie@freshwaterfuture.org for more information.
Job Opportunities
Freshwater Future shares partners and other organizations’ job opportunities. Check out current openings here. Email info@freshwaterfuture.org to add your organization’s open position!
