U.S. Senate Introduces New Permitting Reform Bill
A new bill, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, aims to speed up construction of large infrastructure projects like pipelines and energy transmission at the expense of environmental protections. Clean water shouldn’t be sacrificed for faster permitting. The Senate’s new bill would weaken important Clean Water Act safeguards, including protections for waterways, wetlands, and communities.
Congress previously tried to pass a similar permit reform bill in 2024, which Freshwater Future strongly opposed because, like this current bill, it would further gut federal clean water protections. Stay tuned for an Action Alert that will connect residents with their Members of Congress!
Transparency Needed from Large Data Center Developers to Limit New PFAS Pollution
The primary water concerns at artificial intelligence data centers include the large quantities of water used to cool the computers and the threat of added pollution through wastewater. A recent op-ed, highlights how the use of PFAS at data centers is another risk to the health of our waters and the need for more transparency. The main uses of PFAS at data centers are as refrigerants for cooling and for fire suppression, such as coatings on cables and pipes. Finding out what PFAS may be used at a facility is difficult, since disclosure of chemicals used is not required. Freshwater Future agrees that developers must be required to disclose all chemicals added to cooling water. Furthermore, state, provincial, and federal regulations should address all of these chemicals as one group of contaminants – not just a tiny fraction – to best protect public health.
If you are fighting large water withdrawals in your community and are interested in connecting with others working on this issue, contact Angelique at angelique@freshwaterfuture.org.
New Minnesota Steel Mill Wastewater Permits Aim to Revive Wild Rice
A northern Minnesota steel mill is responsible for nearly wiping out wild rice in Little Sandy and Dark Lakes. Now new permits require the company to meet the state’s 50-year old wild rice sulfate standard for the first time. Local Tribal Bands,the Bois Forte and Grand Portage,are pleased with new wastewater treatment requirements, but oppose the 45 year timeline to meet the new limits. The Tribes plan to formally ask the state for a generic, broader study of local industries’ impact on the environment in their 1854 ceded territory. Freshwater Future will keep you updated on this issue.
Check out our current Take Actions: Together, Our Voices Make a Difference
What’s Your Vision for Canada’s Freshwater Future?
The Canada Water Agency is developing its first National Water Security Strategy and requesting input from residents. Please share your input with local experiences and knowledge to inform what the strategy should include. In addition to your personal insight, Freshwater Future developed suggestions that broadly reflect long-term freshwater visions and priorities for the Great Lakes. The survey closes October 25, 2026.
Find our talking points and the link to our survey here: https://freshwaterfuture.org/current-action-alerts/
Upcoming Online Events
New! Keep Your Nonprofit Status: Reporting and Compliance Guidance
Tuesday, November 17, 11 am CT / 12 pm ET
All U.S. community-based organizations are invited to our free December webinar to review essential tasks that will keep your non-profit compliant with state and federal laws. Regardless of your experience level, this is a great opportunity to learn or review requirements for recordkeeping, IRS filings, lobbying limits, and more!
Register today and join us on Tuesday, November 17th at 11 CT / 12pm ET.
Relax with Mindfulness and Movement
Working to protect water is demanding. Join us for our Mindfulness & Movement session, a 45-minute guided session with Jonathan Relucio, to relax and restore. All sessions start at 10:30 am CT / 11:30 am ET.
Want to check out past updates? Check out the Weekly Archive!
