Freshwater Future Weekly: January 23, 2026
Statement on MLK Jr. Day and Renee Good
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.
Freshwater Future’s Statement on Renee Good’s Tragic Death
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, his voice and leadership remind us that we must continue to address injustices. Freshwater expresses its solidarity with the residents and community of Minneapolis following the tragic shooting death of Renee Good by a federal immigration agent. We support all communities affected, endangered, and traumatized by these immigration raids, which threaten our neighborhoods and impact not only those targeted by immigration authorities but also area residents, including those exercising their right to peaceful protest. We reaffirm our respect for and commitment to democracy and community safety. Peaceful protest remains a fundamental right for all individuals in the United States. Freshwater Future is dedicated now more than ever to supporting community voices that are courageous in helping those in need and advocating against injustices.
“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.,
A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
Your Input is Needed: Help Us Determine Learning Sessions and Workshops for 2026
Strong, community organizations, like yours, are essential for protecting and improving drinking water and surface waters in the Great Lakes region. Please fill out this short survey to let us know what topics you would like to learn about to help your organization continue its valuable water work. Survey will remain open until February 1, 2026.
Take Actions: Together, Our Voices Make a Difference
New: Speak Out to Protect Waterways from Federal Deregulation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to limit the ability of states and Tribes to review and veto federal permits under the Clean Water Act, loosening restrictions on corporate polluters. Your voice is needed to protect states and Tribes’ power to protect our waters from harmful pollution. Use Freshwater Future’s form and customize your comment to add your own experience and concerns. Note that the EPA is not likely to consider comments without personalization. Deadline for public comments is Tuesday, February 17th. Don’t wait, speak up to protect our waters today.
New: Indiana State Senate Considers Dismantling Environmental Regulatory Agency
Indiana residents – your voice is needed to oppose a new state bill that would take away significant power and oversight from the state’s Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). If passed, this bill will threaten the safety of residents’ water from source to tap by eliminating reporting requirements, weakening or eliminating permit processes, deleting key language linking water pollution laws to public health, and more. Take action by sending your state senator a message: The effort to dismantle IDEM is deeply concerning and will jeopardize clean water and public health – oppose Senate Bill 277 when it comes to a full Senate vote.