Win! Michigan Organization Celebrates Court Ban on Nuclear Waste Storage
Michigan Against Atomic Waste (MAAW), a Freshwater Future grantee and partner, recently won a significant legal victory for community safety and the environment. A county judge barred a suburban landfill from accepting additional Manhattan Project-era radioactive waste, calling it a “public nuisance” and a risk to the safety of waterways. Freshwater Future continues to support communities and our Great Lakes from the threats of nuclear energy and waste as governments push for its expansion.
UPDATE: Canadian Labour Union Takes Action Against Water System Outsourcing
A labour union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, announced that it filed a complaint against a town that voted to outsource its water system operators to the province. Two months ago, Freshwater Future shared the news of this decision that was made with limited public notice and engagement. This is concerning because a new provincial law (Bill 60) will make it easier for Ontario to privatize community water systems, leading to more expensive water bills. The labour union is requesting that the Labour Board order the town to stop its outsourcing plans, citing a lack of consultation and transparency and violation of labour law.
Upcoming Events: Save Your Spot!
Basics of Nonprofit Financial Tracking
Tuesday, June 30, 12:00 pm (Eastern)
Join us to learn the basics of managing your nonprofit’s finances on Tuesday, June 30th, at Noon ET. This online session will review terminology and tips to help you track your income and expenses. Register for this practical and informative session today! Please note that we are no longer recording online events due to security concerns.
New Dates! 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 July 15, 11:30 am (Eastern)
Wednesday, August 19, 11:30 am (Eastern)
Wednesday, September 16, 11:30 am (Eastern)
New – Upcoming Deadline: Oppose the Line 5 Construction Wastewater Permit
The corporate owners of Line 5, which runs under the ecologically fragile and significant Straits of Mackinac, applied for a wastewater permit to start construction on an underground pipeline tunnel. A permit would allow them to dump millions of gallons of contaminated construction wastewater daily back into the Straits while also drilling a high-risk tunnel. Take Action by Tuesday, June 30th by submitting a unique comment directly to the State of Michigan.
New York Residents, Keep Up the Pressure & Pause Data Center Development
In a huge win for communities, the New York state legislature passed a one-year moratorium on new massive AI data centers. Three weeks later, it’s still waiting for the Governor’s signature. Call (518-474-8390) or send a message to Governor Kathy Hochul today – Ask her to stand with New Yorkers and sign this bill!
Suggested messaging: “I am calling/writing to urge you to sign the one-year moratorium on massive data centers. New York communities deserve time to adopt laws that protect our environment, energy, and public health from these huge industrial developments.”
Michigan Residents: Stand Up for Wetland Protections
Wetlands are critical as the first line of defense against flooding, for filtering and cleaning water, and for providing sustenance and recreational opportunities. As the federal government aggressively rolls back wetland protections, it’s critical to take a stand against similar actions in the states. Multiple bills that threaten wetland protection are currently under consideration in the Michigan legislature. Send a quick message to your state legislators today and ask them to OPPOSE these bills!
