Win for Wetlands + Wildlife: Mining Permit Withdrawn with Your Advocacy!
When a mining company proposed an expansion that would fill 77.9 acres of wetlands and 4,661 linear feet of a stream in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, you responded to our call for action. Hundreds of you sent in comments to Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The substantial public opposition, combined with comments from federal agencies echoing concerns about impacts to a well-documented bald eagle nest near the site, had an impact. Last month, the mining company withdrew the permit application! Thank you to everyone who submitted comments and our partners Mining Action Group and Citizens for Safe and Clean Lake Superior. Your voice made a difference!
Eaglet in nest near site of proposed mining expansion. Photo courtesy of Robin LaChapelle.
Last Chance: Comment on New U.S. EPA Rule to Protect Public Water Utilities – Deadline July 29th!
When a water system fails to meet health regulations like elevated lead or nitrate levels, enforcement measures by state agencies are essential to protect public health. A new proposed rule by the U.S. EPA, the Water System Restructuring Assessment Rule, gives more power to state agencies to encourage water system consolidation, regionalization, or privatization. Unfortunately, this could result in a community losing oversight of their water utility and create higher water bills. Freshwater Future recommends changes to the Rule that demand stronger requirements for public engagement, protections against raising rates, and safeguards to ensure communities continue to have oversight of their drinking water. If you’re an individual, please help us send a strong message to the U.S. EPA by taking action today! If you’re an organization, sign-on to Freshwater Future’s comment letter here. The public comment period closes this Monday, July 29th!
New Research Warns of “Forever Chemical” Skin Absorption
Although PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, have been used in products worldwide since the 1940’s, we are still learning how it moves through our environment and bodies, how it can be cleaned up, and what its long-term effects are. PFAS absorption through the skin was thought to be limited and of low concern. New research confirms that these chemicals, known to disrupt hormones and linked to several cancers, absorb through the skin more readily than previously thought. Many of our clothes contain PFAS – and are washed off into our water systems and back into our environment, but also may be absorbed through our skin as we wear that clothing. It is clear that there is no place for PFAS in our water, our environment, and our bodies. Freshwater Future will continue to update you on the latest PFAS news.
Meet Freshwater Future’s Spring Grantee: Oscoda Citizens for Clean Water
Each spring and fall (see more below!) Freshwater Future awards project grants to support grassroots organizations advocating for water in Great Lakes communities. Oscoda Citizens for Clean Water (is advocating for speedier remediation and cleanup efforts necessary to address PFAS contamination in surface and groundwater from a former air force base. Oscoda Citizens for Clean Water is also educating the public about health risks associated with PFAS and fighting for a permanent PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation to protect local municipal water supplies.
Fall Grant Cycle is Open! Does Your Group Need Funding for Water Justice Advocacy?
You’ve heard about some of our amazing Spring grantees – could Freshwater Future help support your advocacy campaign? Our Fall project grant cycle is open for submissions until September 30th, 2024! These 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. Interested in applying? Call Freshwater Future staff to share more about your idea before submitting a project grant proposal. 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 and sign up to attend the Q&A Webinar on Thursday, September 12, 2024 – 12-1pm (EST).
Join our Monthly Giving Circle!
At Freshwater Future, we are dedicated to protecting the people and the waters of the Great Lakes region and helping to ensure everyone has clean, safe, and affordable freshwater. Please consider joining our monthly giving circle! Freshwater Future’s friends and supporters can contribute a monthly donation that fuels our efforts all year long. You can ensure a brighter future and help make lasting change for our region through your financial support now. You can start by clicking here. Thank you!
