Freshwater Future Weekly: December 19, 2025
Take Actions: Together, Our Voices Make a Difference
New – Protect Wetlands and Clean Water: No Changes to the Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The U.S. EPA is requesting comments on its new definition of “Waters of the United States”. The proposal could eliminate Clean Water Act protections for a significant amount of the nation’s wetlands and many streams. For over 50 years, these protections have transformed the health of our drinking water, but corporate interests are pushing to limit these guardrails for the sake of cheaper and easier development and wastewater management.
Use your voice and ask the U.S. EPA to keep the 2023 definition that will protect wetlands and the many benefits they provide–filtering pollutants, preventing flooding, and providing critical wildlife habitat.
There are two ways to submit a written comment:
- Submit a personalized comment using Freshwater Future’s Take Action form. Please note that the EPA is not likely to consider your comment unless you personalize it.
- Directly submit your own comment in one of two ways using our tips here. Be sure to include the Docket ID Number in all subject lines and document uploads: EPA–HQ–OW–2025–0322
- Directly through Regulations.gov, which provides you the opportunity to submit a comment anonymously.
- By email: [email protected]
It’s Never Too Late to Make a Difference with Your Year-End Gift!
Please consider a year-end donation this year, and you’ll be making a lasting impact on the health of our Great Lakes, drinking water, and communities that we depend on and love. Your donation ensures that Freshwater Future has the resources to help communities working to keep water clean, safe, and accessible.
Did you know that Freshwater Future accepts gifts from donor-advised funds (DAFs)? If you have a DAF, please consider recommending to your financial advisor that you would like to support Freshwater Future.
Registration Open: Enhance your Organization’s Cyber Security
Start your year off right by boosting your knowledge!! Join us on January 13 at 12:00 ET for an informational session and hands-on learning opportunity on Cyber Security. We will discuss how to prevent and mitigate cyber-attacks, create strong passwords, and develop AI policies and protections. Register here!
Advocates Rally in Michigan’s Capital for Community Protections from Data Centers
Freshwater Future’s Angelique Willis and other advocates from across Michigan called on state legislators to take action amidst the wave of new data center proposals across the state. These facilities use large amounts of water for both cooling computer servers and energy needs. Grassroots advocates who spoke at the rally called for banning non-disclosure agreements, ending tax breaks for data centers, protecting water resources, and a statewide moratorium on new data centers.
