Win! Ohio EPA listens to Advocates’ Data Center Wastewater Concerns
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency reversed plans for a “one size fits all” general wastewater permit for data centers. Over 7000 people weighed in during the public comment period, largely against the general permits. Freshwater Future celebrates this decision, which will protect Ohio’s waters from millions of gallons of polluted wastewater from data centers. Now data centers will have to get wastewater permits on a case-by-case basis. This is a step in the right direction, but more transparency is needed to know what’s in data center wastewater and how to keep water clean.
Pushback Continues Against Ontario’s Conservation Authority Consolidation Plans
Communities and organizations continue to push back on the forced consolidation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into just nine. The Maitland Valley Conservation Foundation is pushing the province to split its new region in half and create a Lake Huron-focused group. Even if the province denies this proposal, one local biologist, Dr. Justina Ray, offers words of hope: “Local action matters so much, because that is where things make a difference. We have to be celebrating the watershed, even though, politically speaking, it is being torn down in front of us.” Despite the consolidation moving forward to take effect in early 2027, advocates hope that continued pressure on key decision makers will still stop the plans, which will negatively impact wetlands and therefore worsen water quality and flooding. Send a message to your Minister of Provincial Parliament and ask them to stop the amalgamation before it’s too late – find yours 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!
Take Actions: Together, Our Voices Make a Difference
