Take Actions: Together, Our Voices Make a Difference
U.S. Permitting Reform Bill Threatens Clean Water
A new bill, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, is being rushed through Congress and aims to speed up construction of large infrastructure projects like pipelines and data centers. The bill is a huge threat to clean water by furthering our dependence on fossil fuels, cutting wetland protections, and taking away decision-making power from the communities and governments closest to affected waterways. The Senate will start considering this bill next week – send your Members of Congress a message today and ask them to OPPOSE the permitting reform bill. Take action here!
Provincial Bill Threatens Clean Water, Transparency, and Public Engagement
The government of Ontario introduced a new bill, the Building Ontario Faster Act, that aims to fast-track developments at the expense of environmental protections, transparency, and democratic processes. This bill includes many harmful provisions such as gutting the Environmental Bill of Rights law, which gives residents the right to engage in and challenge decisions that may compromise a healthful environment. Freshwater Future encourages residents to submit comments voicing your opposition of the bill, especially changes to the Environmental Bill of Rights. Don’t wait, the consultation period ends on November 26th.
Win! Minnesota Data Center Settlement Requires Stronger Environmental Review
A Minnesota data center will be the first to undergo a state-led environmental review. The environmental review is a settlement agreement between a Minnesota-based nonprofit, data center developer, and the City of Pine Island. The settlement requires a comprehensive environmental review, including groundwater, surface water, and wastewater disposal, energy impacts, air pollution, light and noise pollution, and more. The public will have multiple opportunities to review and comment on the final environmental study and development plans.
Upcoming Events
Keep Your Nonprofit Status: Reporting and Compliance Guidance
Join us for a free webinar on Tuesday, November 17, to review essential tasks that will keep your U.S. nonprofit compliant with state and federal laws. Regardless of your experience level, this is a great opportunity to learn or review requirements for recordkeeping, IRS filings, lobbying limits, and more! Register today and join us on Tuesday, November 17th at 11 CT / 12pm ET.
Take Some Time for Yourself on December 9th!
Water advocacy is demanding work. Refresh and restore during the holiday season by registering for our monthly Mindfulness & Movement session. Jonathan Relucio, a mindfulness teacher with over 20 years of experience will guide attendees through this 45-minute session, starting at 10:30 am CT / 11:30 am ET. Register today and share with others that may be interested! Sessions are free and open to all. Past sessions can be accessed here – please email info@freshwaterfuture.org to request the password.
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!