[Take Action] Deadline September 23rd: Your Voice is Needed to Improve New York’s Water System Funding!
New York’s drinking water infrastructure requires massive investments to stay safe and affordable. The main funding program to do just that – the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund – is now open for public comment. We want New York’s Department of Health to improve this program so that historic funding reaches the communities that need it most. Will you help by taking action through Freshwater Future today? Submit your comments and share the action through Freshwater Future before the public comment period ends on Monday, September 23rd. It only takes a minute to take action!
[Take Action] Save Our Public Lands and Waters: Say No to the Energy Permitting Reform Act
Your senators need to hear from you before they return to the senate floor (next week!) with the opportunity to vote on a dangerous piece of legislation: the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024. This bill threatens our environment, public health, and climate. If adopted, it would weaken critical environmental protections, open up vast areas of public lands and offshore waters to more oil and gas drilling, and fast-track permits without sufficient review. Please tell your senator to vote NO on this harmful bill that prioritizes fossil fuel and mining interests over community safety, and diminishes the ability of impacted communities to challenge harmful projects! We have made it quick and easy for you to send your email today – click here to take action and share it far and wide!
[Event] Register for Movement & Mindfulness with Us on September 26th!
Water protectors (that’s you!) are under a lot of stress in the fight to protect the people and waters of the Great Lakes. With all the joys of this purpose-driven work, the mistreatment of our communities and environment takes a toll. We see you, we appreciate you, and we invite you to a dedicated space to heal our hearts, minds, and bodies. Our facilitator, Jonathan Relucio, is a skilled practitioner of trauma-informed mindfulness, yoga, and meditation with over 20 years of experience advocating for social justice. Please join us on September 26th at 11:30 am ET. The session runs for 45 minutes. Register here!
Southeast Michigan to Receive Radioactive Waste from Manhattan Project
Detroit residents and local officials have legitimate concerns after learning that radioactive waste was being transported for disposal at a Wayne County facility. Michigan’s low disposal fees and central location attract out-of-state waste (like the toxic waste produced from the East Palestine train derailment last year), raising concerns about environmental and public health risks. Local officials and residents are alarmed by the lack of prior notification and potential for spills, especially given the owner of the disposal facility has a problematic history with hazardous waste management. Freshwater Future agrees the Great Lakes are no place for hazardous waste – we will keep you up to date on this story.
Fall Grant Cycle is Open! Does Your Group Need Funding for Water Advocacy?
Do you need funds for your water issue 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).
