Virtual Gathering: Finding Strength in Community
Please join us on Tuesday July 21 at 6pm EST for a virtual gathering so that we may come together as a community to recognize lives lost in recent events. Join us as we dedicate time for reflection and meaningful action. To ensure online security and safety, please pre-register for this gathering. We will not be recording this session. Register here!
Public Charities Can Lobby: How Your 501(c)(3) Can Influence Policy for the Greater Good.
Tuesday, August 18, 12:00 pm ET
Freshwater Future’s partner, Alliance for Justice, will lead our next monthly session focused on nonprofit lobbying “Do’s and Don’ts”. After this workshop, you will have a clear understanding of what advocacy activities your 501(c)(3) can engage in, what communications count as lobbying, and how to maximize your non-lobbying advocacy. Please note that this session will not be recorded. Register here!
Relax with Mindfulness and Movement
All are invited to this free, 45-minute guided session with Jonathan Relucio, an expert with over 20 years of experience. Join us to relax and restore each month, and please invite others! Can’t join? Registrants can access past session recordings here – contact alana@freshwaterfuture.org for the password.
Wednesday, August 19, 11:30 am (Eastern) Register here!
Wednesday, September 16, 11:30 am (Eastern) Register here!
Win! New York State Hits Pause on Hyperscale Data Centers
Thanks to many of you, the State of New York is now the first to enact a one-year moratorium on new massive data centers. Your voices were heard in the state legislator and in the governor’s office, leading up to this victory. Now New York communities can focus on implementing stronger laws that protect public health and the environment from data centers. Other Great Lake states like Michigan and Pennsylvania have also considered a similar law, but none have received a vote yet.
Will you write a letter to Lake Erie?
The annual #WeAreLakeErie celebration and campaign will take place on August 14, 2026! On that day, we will share stories and pieces about this small, but mighty Great Lake. You can share your stories using this link here for a chance to be featured on Freshwater Future’s media outlets!
Freshwater Future Appeals Michigan Court Ruling Against Clean Water Permits
Last October, Freshwater Future shared an important clean water victory in the fight for stronger concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) permits in Michigan. Unfortunately, that decision was successfully appealed and struck down by the Michigan Circuit Court. Freshwater Future and other intervenors are now appealing that ruling, represented by the Environmental Policy Law Center. The appeal argues that the Circuit Court ruling strips Michigan residents of their right to contest CAFO permits. We will continue to keep you informed on this case and its impact on public participation and clean water protection.
Michigan Approves Tunnel Permits Despite Governor’s Pledge to Shut Down Line 5
Thank you to everyone who submitted comments last month on a wastewater permit for construction of a new fossil fuel pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. A decision on this permit is expected this month.
Unfortunately, the State of Michigan announced its final decision to approve two other Line 5 permits this week despite admitting significant environmental impacts. The Michigan Supreme Court, whose term ends July 31, will also decide whether or not the state’s regulatory approval of a new Line 5 tunnel is valid. While this week’s news is disappointing, Freshwater Future holds on to hope as opportunities remain to stop the new tunnel. We remain committed to supporting our partners fighting resource extraction and fossil fuel transport in the Great Lakes, especially as climate change-related wildfires worsen air quality in the region this week.
Great Lakes Water Levels Rise This Year with Heavy Snow and Rain
All but one Great Lake, Lake Superior, currently have higher than normal water levels. It is normal for levels to rise after spring snow melts and rain, but heavier precipitation pushed levels from below normal to above normal this year. Lake Superior remains below its long-term average level for July despite having a higher level than this time last year. With hotter weather and less rainfall, Great Lakes water levels will typically begin to decrease in August or September and remain lower through the Spring.
Canadian Federal Government Opposes First Nations’ Right to Clean Water
For years, First Nations have been fighting the Canadian federal government in court over limited access to safe drinking water. However, after many years of progress towards a settlement, the Canadian federal government is backtracking support for First Nations’ right to water. The government recently appealed a Federal Court ruling that said remote First Nations have the right to clean water and housing.
Two weeks later, the government tabled, or filed, an amended version of the First Nations drinking water bill that eliminates language affirming their right to clean water. This week at the Assembly of First Nations annual meeting, many leaders condemned the new version of Bill-37, including the National Chief: “It’s disappointing that this new bill fails to clearly designate First Nations’ rights to clean water, because no sum of money will distract from the red flags we see in this new clean water bill.”
Upcoming Deadline: Stand Up for Canadian Environmental Protections
The federal government requests public comments on a Discussion Paper that proposes new laws to roll back environmental protections and public engagement. Their goal is to quicken major infrastructure project development. This would quicken the development of new fossil fuel pipelines, mines, infrastructure for data centres, and deep ports in the Great Lakes. Submit a message and be sure to add in your own voice – why it matters to you and any personal experiences. Consultation ends July 22, 2026.
Harmful Wetlands Bills in Michigan – Your Voice is Still Needed
Thank you to everyone who has stood up to protect Michigan wetlands from five harmful bills. In the last month, the Michigan House of Representatives passed four of those bills and one remains stuck in a committee. A Michigan Senate committee must now consider these harmful proposals that would roll back the nation’s strongest wetland protections. Use your voice today and send a message to your Michigan state senator asking them to oppose these bills!
