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PFAS News Roundup: EPA approved PFAS use for fracking, $20M for Ontario airport cleanup, PFAS Action Act set for House vote

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/pfas-epa-fracking-ontario-cleanup-action-act-house/

Noah Bock

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Drinking Water Roundup: Biden administration invests millions in rural water, treatment plant uses ultraviolet, lead pipe removal in Flint

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

Keep up with drinking water-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Discolored water, manganese in Carlinville a recurring problem – WICS

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (WICS) — High levels of Manganese in the city of Carlinville’s water is causing the water to turn brown, stain clothes, and more.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/drinking-water-biden-rural-infrastructure-lead-pipe/

Rachel Duckett

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Energy News Roundup: US invests in wave energy, Celebrities urge Biden to stop Line 3, Company seeks damages for Keystone XL cancellation

Keep up with energy-related developments in the Great Lakes area with Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Illinois coal plants are closing even as fossil fuel objections stall energy bill again – Energy News Network

In a surprise announcement last Thursday, NRG said it would close its Waukegan and Romeoville coal plants, but the community impacts are unclear as “just transition” provisions remain held up in state energy bill negotiations.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/energy-investments-biden-line-3-keystone-xl-cancellation/

Noah Bock

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In: Budget, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Duluth, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature Milwaukee, Gary Wilson, Grand Rapids, Illinois, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
Investing in the Lakes: New bill could redirect tech money to neglected Great Lakes cities

As President Joe Biden tries to advance his high-profile legislative agenda in a sharply divided Congress, a low-profile bill that could help the Great Lakes region is progressing with bipartisan support.

If passed, it could finally help the region shake its Rust Belt image.

The legislation is the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/legislation-investment-tech-research-great-lakes-cities/

Gary Wilson

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In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, AP, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, News, Ohio, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, toxic algae
Ohio expands farmer incentive program to clean up Lake Erie

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Farmers in 10 more northern Ohio counties will be eligible to receive financial incentives for using new agriculture practices that improve water quality in Lake Erie, Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday.

That brings the number of counties eligible up to 24 through the H2Ohio water quality initiative’s farmer incentive program.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-ohio-farmer-incentive-program-lake-erie/

The Associated Press

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Canada expands ballast water restrictions to reduce invasive species spread

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/canada-ballast-water-restrictions-invasive-species/

Michigan Radio

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In: AP, Climate change, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
In break with Trump, House GOP forms group on climate change

By Matthew Daly, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Utah Rep. John Curtis says he’s tired of hearing that Republicans — his party colleagues — don’t care about climate change or slowing global warming.

A former Provo mayor who has served in Congress since 2017, Curtis says Republicans can push for serious climate solutions while holding fast to conservative values.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-house-gop-group-climate-change/

The Associated Press

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Army Corps plans extensive review of Great Lakes tunnel plan

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Wednesday it would conduct an extensive review of Enbridge Energy’s plan to build an oil pipeline tunnel beneath a Great Lakes channel in Michigan, which could significantly delay the project.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-army-corps-extensive-review-line-5-tunnel/

The Associated Press

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Fight over Canadian oil rages on after pipeline’s demise

By Matthew Brown, John Flesher and Matthew Daly, Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Keystone XL is dead after a 12-year attempt to build the oil pipeline, yet the fight over Canadian crude rages on as emboldened environmentalists target other projects and pressure President Joe Biden to intervene — all while oil imports from the north keep rising.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-fight-canadian-oil-pipelines/

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EPA restoring state and tribal power to protect waterways

By Matthew Daly, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — In the latest reversal of a Trump-era policy, the Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency is restoring a rule that grants states and Native American tribes authority to block pipelines and other energy projects that can pollute rivers, streams and other waterways.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/ap-epa-state-tribal-power-protect-waterways/

The Associated Press

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In: biden administration, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice: Michigan’s goal is to be a national leader

President Joe Biden has put a spotlight on environmental justice like no president before him, and that’s good news for Regina Strong.

“I feel like environmental justice is having a moment,” Strong told Great Lakes Now last week. She was referring to a recent indication that U.S. EPA Administrator Michael Regan may be willing to engage more than his predecessors with state and local governments on issues important to communities.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/environmental-justice-michigan-goal-national-leader/

Gary Wilson

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Michigan vows to seek Line 5 profits if Enbridge defies shutdown order

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/michigan-line-5-profits-enbridge-shutdown-order/

Bridge Michigan

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Oil pipeline disputes raise tensions between U.S. and Canada

By John Flesher and Matthew Brown, AP Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Months after President Joe Biden snubbed Canadian officials by canceling Keystone XL, an impending showdown over a second crude oil pipeline threatens to further strain ties between the two neighbors that were frayed during the Trump administration.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/ap-oil-pipeline-disputes-raise-tensions-us-canada/

The Associated Press

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Earth Week, indigenous communities, Latest News, Minnesota, New York, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
17 Young People on the Moment the Climate Crisis Became Real to Them

By Mary Retta, Teen Vogue

This story originally appeared in Teen Vogue and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

Watching An Inconvenient Truth in your middle-school science class.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/17-young-people-climate-crisis/

Teen Vogue

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In: AP, biden administration, Climate change, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
America’s gas-fueled vehicles imperil Biden’s climate goals

By Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer

DETROIT (AP) — For President Joe Biden to reach his ambitious goal of slashing America’s greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, huge reductions would have to come from somewhere other than one of the worst culprits: auto tailpipes.

That’s because there are just too many gas-powered passenger vehicles in the United States — roughly 279 million — to replace them in less than a decade, experts say.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/ap-america-gas-fueled-vehicles-biden-climate-goals/

The Associated Press

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In: Climate change, Commercial Fishing, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, indigenous communities, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Tourism
Native Rights: Where Great Lakes Tribes can fish and how much is up for debate

The rules that govern fishing in the Great Lakes – commercially and for sport – are about to change, perhaps dramatically. That’s because Great Lakes fish are a shared resource, and because of profound changes in fish populations, there is less to share.

It’s difficult to know exactly what will change.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/native-rights-where-great-lakes-tribes-fish-how-much/

Dave Spratt

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In: biden administration, Budget, Buffalo, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Chicago, Climate change, Collaboration, COVID-19, Detroit, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, The Provinces, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, water shutoffs, Wisconsin
Water Access: As moratoria on shutoffs end, old problems return to the forefront

As moratoria expire across the Great Lakes region, advocates say ongoing affordability and debt relief are key.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/water-shutoffs-debt-infrastructure/

Kari Lydersen

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In: AP, biden administration, Chicago, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
The problem within: Biden targets lead pipes, pushes equity

By Aamer Madhani, Associated Press Writer

CHICAGO (AP) — In the modest bungalows and two-flats of Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, there’s never a shortage of needed home repairs staring residents in the face. And then there is the less obvious but more ominous problem lurking in their pipes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/the-problem-within-biden-targets-lead-pipes-pushes-equity/

The Associated Press

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Spotlight on Infrastructure: Policy executive talks new Biden plan, definitions of infrastructure

While President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan, officially the American Jobs Plan, emanates from the White House, a veteran Chicago policy executive says we should consider its genesis as broader than top down.

“It is something that cities and regions have requested – full partnership with the federal government – for quite some time,” said MarySue Barrett, president of the non-profit Metropolitan Planning Council.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/infrastructure-biden-administration-policy-qna/

Gary Wilson

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In: AP, Feature Homepage, Indiana, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
Controversial Indiana environmental bills inch near passage

By Casey Smith, Associated Press/Report for America

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Lawmakers approved two environmental bills Tuesday that critics say could damage the state’s ecosystems by scaling back current policy affecting water, energy and other resources.

A measure seeking to remove protections from Indiana’s already diminished wetlands would eliminate a 2003 law that requires the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to issue permits in a state-regulated wetland and end enforcement proceedings against landowners allegedly violating current law.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/ap-controversial-indiana-environmental-bills-near-passage/

The Associated Press

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Wisconsin Supreme Court weighs state power to protect water from farm pollutants

This article, first posted here, was republished with permission from Wisconsin Watch.

By Royce Podeszwa and Jim Malewitz, Wisconsin Watch

The state Supreme Court on Monday heard arguments in a case that could determine whether the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources failed to adequately protect water from manure pollution when awarding a permit to a giant dairy farm in northeastern Wisconsin — or whether the agency lacks the authority to issue such restrictions.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/wisconsin-supreme-court-protect-water-farm-pollutants/

Wisconsin Watch

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Local Governments, Organizations Ask Indiana Legislators to Consider Alternatives to Bill Repealing State Wetland Protections

By Enrique Saenz, Indiana Environmental Reporter

More than 60 organizations, including local governments, environmental and conservation groups and water management agencies, sent a letter to Indiana state legislators, asking them to consider policy changes instead of supporting a bill seeking to remove all state protections for Indiana wetlands.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/local-governments-environmental-organizations-indiana-legislators-state-wetland-protections/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

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PFAS News Roundup: Michigan governor invokes defense bill, high levels in Minnesota landfills, business lobby sues Wisconsin DNR

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/michigan-governor-minnesota-landfills-wisconsin-business-dnr/

Natasha Blakely

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In: biden administration, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, Latest News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
In Broad Strokes, Biden Infrastructure Plan Sketches a Future for Federal Water Spending

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/biden-infrastructure-plan-future-federal-water-spending/

Circle of Blue

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Is the Line 5 tunnel a bridge to Michigan’s energy future or a bad deal?

With climate action on the state and national agenda, critics of Enbridge Line 5 warn that investing in new pipeline infrastructure undermines Michigan’s pathway to carbon neutrality. Experts say it’s not so simple.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/enbridge-line-5-tunnel-michigan-energy-future-or-bad-deal/

Bridge Michigan

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Need for disputed pipeline argued in Minnesota appeals court

By Mohamed Ibrahim, Associated Press/Report for America Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Tuesday heard arguments over Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 replacement project in northern Minnesota, which opponents are calling unnecessary due to an eventual decline in the demand for oil.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce, along with the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, and several Indigenous and environmental groups, argued before the three-judge panel that Enbridge failed to show long-term need for the Line 3 project.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/ap-need-for-line-3-pipeline-argued-minnesota-appeals-court/

The Associated Press

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Chippewa tribes blast wolf hunt, say it was about killing

By Todd Richmond, Associated Press Writer

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Chippewa tribal officials in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan have blasted the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for putting on what they say was a poorly planned wolf season during which state-licensed hunters blew past their quota in a matter of days.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/ap-chippewa-tribes-blast-wolf-hunt/

The Associated Press

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In: biden administration, Budget, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan’s Rural Water Systems Confront Generations of Inadequate Investment

A critical juncture is reached for providing water to rural communities around the region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/michigan-rural-water-systems-generations-inadequate-investment/

Circle of Blue

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Priority Shift: Great Lakes exec moves environmental justice to top of list

Chicago’s Joel Brammeier came of age advocating for the Great Lakes in an era when federal programs that are widely accepted today like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative were barely on the drawing board.

Brammeier started his advocacy work in 2001 when he managed habitat programs for the Lake Michigan Federation, which later became the Alliance for the Great Lakes as its mission expanded.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/great-lakes-environmental-justice-priority/

Gary Wilson

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In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Budget, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, harmful algal blooms, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, Lead, News, Ohio, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
H2Ohio: Agency directors focus on wetlands, farmer subsidies, replacing lead lines

The first full-year report for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s much-publicized H2Ohio water quality initiative is out.

Introduced in 2019, the plan has already reaped benefits for Ohio residents and will continue to expand in its scope, according to officials charged with its implementation.

The report was offered in a web presentation by Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Laurie Stevenson.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/h2ohio-agency-directors-wetlands-lead-agriculture/

James Proffitt

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Wisconsin Legislature moves to kill limits on PFAS, protect conversion therapy

By Todd Richmond, Associated Press Writer

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Legislature moved Tuesday to kill limits on PFAS pollution and to allow therapists, counselors and social workers to continue to try to change gay and transgender people’s sexual orientation.

The Senate and Assembly both took up a bill blocking a state Department of Safety and Professional Standards rule that would have prohibited so-called conversion therapy.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/ap-wisconsin-legislature-moves-to-kill-limits-on-pfas-protect-conversion-therapy/

The Associated Press

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In: canada, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, oil pipelines, Ontario, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Canada Speaks: In Enbridge Line 5 debate, Canadian representatives point to the impact on their economy

In the ongoing conflict over Line 5’s presence and future in Michigan, much of the debate has been between the Canadian energy company Enbridge, Inc. and the state of Michigan, or between Michigan environmentalists and Michigan businesses.

A recent joint committee session in the Michigan Senate heard from a third party: Canada.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/enbridge-line-5-debate-canadian-representatives-impact-economy/

Natasha Blakely

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Air, Wind, Solar: In the Great Lakes region, energy stands out in President Biden’s efforts

If you have the good fortune to gaze at a Great Lake – any Great Lake – sometime in this strange year, you’re not likely to spot a glaring example of President Joseph R. Biden’s new emphasis on protecting the environment.

But that doesn’t mean they aren’t coming.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/air-wind-solar-great-lakes-energy-president-biden/

Dave Spratt

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, fishing, indigenous communities, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, The States, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Treaty Rights Acknowledged For First Time in Oil Pipeline’s Controversial History

By Elena Bruess, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/treaty-rights-line-5-oil-pipelines-controversial-history/

Circle of Blue

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PFAS News Roundup: Indiana introduces PFAS bills, Michigan citizens unhappy about 8-month disclosure delay

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/pfas-news-roundup-indiana-introduces-pfas-bills-michigan-citizens-unhappy-about-8-month-disclosure-delay/

Natasha Blakely

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In: AP, biden administration, Drinking Water, epa, flint, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Lead, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Trump Administration, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Biden EPA to reconsider Trump rule on lead in drinking water

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The Biden administration said Wednesday it was delaying the effective date of a policy intended to prevent lead pollution of drinking water, continuing a decades-old debate over how to remove a serious health hazard to children.

The Environmental Protection Agency said it was suspending a regulatory rewrite completed by the Trump administration in December, which is being challenged in court by numerous states and advocacy groups.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/ap-biden-epa-trump-rule-lead-drinking-water/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, biden administration, Environmental Justice, epa, Equity and Environmental Justice, Groundwater Contamination, News, Ohio, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Senate confirms Fudge to lead housing agency, Regan for EPA

By Mary Clare Jalonick and Matthew Daly, Associated Press Writers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development and North Carolina regulator Michael Regan to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, picking up the pace for confirmations in President Joe Biden’s Cabinet.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/ap-senate-confirms-fudge-regan-epa/

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In: animals, AP, Fish, Birds and Animals, Hunting, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Wisconsin, wolves
US states look to step up wolf kills, pushed by Republicans

By Matthew Brown and Iris Samuels, Associated Press Writers

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Payments for dead wolves. Unlimited hunting of the animals. Shooting wolves from the air.

Wolf hunting policies in some states are taking an aggressive turn, as Republican lawmakers and conservative hunting groups push to curb their numbers and propose tactics shunned by many wildlife managers.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/ap-us-states-wolf-kills-pushed-by-republicans/

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In: AP, Latest News, News, Pennsylvania, plastic, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Pennsylvania hauled to court over blocking plastic bag bans

By Claudia Lauer and Marc Levy, Associated Press Writers

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia and three other municipalities in Pennsylvania sued the state Wednesday over what they say was a covert abuse of legislative power to block local bans or taxes on plastic bags that retailers give out to customers and, they say, end up as pollution and litter.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/ap-pennsylvania-court-plastic-bag-bans/

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, Equity and Environmental Justice, infrastructure, Latest News, natural disasters, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, rural
Building Resilience in Rural America

By  Alessandra Jerolleman, Eos

This story originally appeared in Eos and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

 

In the United States, 2020 will be remembered not just for a global pandemic but also for a series of back-to-back and record-breaking disasters that affected much of the country, including many rural communities.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/building-resilience-rural-america/

Eos

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In: Budget, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, Traverse City, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Pennsylvania water utility sues 3M, Dupont, Michigan officials waited 8 months to warn residents

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/pfas-news-pennsylvania-utillity-michigan-officials-wait/

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In: Budget, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, dams, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Midland, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Michigan dams need ‘immediate attention’ to prevent next failure

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/michigan-dams-immediate-attention-prevent-next-failure/

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In: biden administration, Budget, canada, green infrastructure, infrastructure, Latest News, News, Ontario, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Cross-border Concerns: Biden administration a new opportunity for Canadian cooperation over Great Lakes

Great Lakes watchers were pleased that newly elected President Joe Biden’s first phone call to a foreign leader went to Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, hoping the call signals the beginning of more harmonious relations in the basin.

The previous four years under Donald Trump had been rocky.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/cross-border-biden-administration-canada-cooperation-great-lakes/

Andrew Reeves

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In: biden administration, Climate change, Collaboration, Equity and Environmental Justice, Latest News, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, youth
Youth climate activists want an official seat at the table in Biden’s White House

By Ilana Cohen, Climate Tracker

This story originally appeared in Climate Tracker and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

 

Last November, youth climate activists helped elect U.S. 

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/youth-climate-activists-biden-white-house/

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In: biden administration, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Speaking of Water: How Can the Biden Administration Deliver on Environmental Justice Pledges?

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/water-biden-administration-deliver-environmental-justice-pledges/

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In: biden administration, Collaboration, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Deja vu — former Michigan elected official leads national energy policy, again

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

By Eric Freedman, Capital News Service

A former top-ranking Michigan official is now overseeing national energy policy — again.

This time it’s the Biden administration’s new Secretary of Energy, former Democratic Gov.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/former-michigan-governor-leads-national-energy-policy/

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In: AP, biden administration, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Indiana, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Indiana lawmakers debate environmental regulation, rollbacks

By Casey Smith, Associated Press/Report for America Writer

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — As Indiana lawmakers debate dozens of bills addressing environmental matters, tensions are flaring over whether the state should adopt greener initiatives or step back current policy affecting water, energy and other resources.

While some measures in the General Assembly could bring reductions to Indiana’s carbon emissions and make stricter penalties for polluters, others would spur regulatory rollbacks that environmental advocates say could have long-lasting and damaging effects.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/ap-indiana-lawmakers-debate-environmental-regulation-rollbacks/

The Associated Press

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In: biden administration, Drinking Water, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Minnesota sets new PFAS blueprint, Biden EPA dumps PFAS assessment over ‘political interference’

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/pfas-minnesota-biden-epa-regulations/

Natasha Blakely

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In: biden administration, Climate change, Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Gary Wilson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Excited about Biden: Detroit advocate hopeful on environmental justice progress after decades of inertia

Detroit’s Michelle Martinez is acutely aware of the patience needed when your profession is advocating for environmental justice, the fair and meaningful involvement of all people related to environmental laws and policies.

Martinez is acting executive director and statewide coordinator for the grassroots Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition.

It was 1994, almost three decades ago, that President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 12898 putting the federal spotlight on environmental justice.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/detroit-advocate-hopeful-environmental-justice-progress-decades-inertia/

Gary Wilson

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In: biden administration, epa, Latest News, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
EPA Nominee Regan Touts Collaboration during Senate Confirmation Hearing

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/epa-nominee-collaboration-senate-confirmation-hearing/

Circle of Blue