NEMWI Twitter Added to Great Lakes Influencer List
Twitter account @SustMemeTop500 has added the Northeast-Midwest Institute to their list of the top 500 Twitter influencers promoting Great Lakes’ dialogue.
In collaboration with the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, the GreatLakes500 list was developed to increase engagement online about the Great Lakes and call attention to the challenges the region faces in regard to climate change, emerging contaminants, harmful algal blooms, and other stressors.
Each Tuesday the list is updated to reflect online engagement rates and influence on Twitter. NEMWI debuted at #496 this past week.
The Northeast-Midwest Institute (NEMWI) hosted another installment of its Great Lakes Primer and Orientation Program focused on PFAS in the Great Lakes region last week. The Great Lakes Primer and Orientation Program is aimed at providing Congressional staff with critical information on the issues that are most impactful to the Great Lakes. Prior sessions included primers on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), aquatic invasive species, climate change and coastal resiliency, and harmful algal blooms (HABs).
PFAS, which includes thousands of chemicals that are used for their nonstick, stain-repellent, waterproofing, and fire-retardant purposes, are used in a staggering array of consumer products and commercial applications, and are especially prevalent in the Great Lakes region due to decades of industrial activities. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS have been linked to numerous medical conditions, including cancer, weakened immune systems, and reproductive problems, because of its widespread use, and they can be found in almost every aspect of American life.
NEMWI’s webinar focused on the governmental and nongovernmental responses to PFAS in the Great Lakes region, and actions that need to be taken to better protect the Great Lakes from PFAS contaminations. Topics included the recent release of EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, the passage of the PFAS Action Act of 2021 by the U.S. House of Representatives, and the recent formation of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network (GLPAN). Panelists included:
Matt Klasen - PFAS Council Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Jennifer Hill - Associate Director, Great Lakes Regional Center, National Wildlife Federation.
Bill Introduced Promoting Great Lakes Fish & Wildlife
and Banning PFAS in Food Containers
Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI), along with Representatives Darren LaHood (R-IL), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and David Joyce (R-OH), introduced the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Reauthorization Act in the U.S. House last week. The bill reauthorizes the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Act of 1990, which enables the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to work with states and other agencies to develop and execute proposals to conserve, restore, and manage fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. Companion legislative in the U.S. Senate was introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rob Portman (R-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Todd Young (R-IN) earlier this fall.
Additionally, Representatives Dingell and Don Young (R-AK), and Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), introduced the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act, which would ban PFAS from being intentionally used in food packaging. Also, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the Enhancing Military Base Resilience and Conserving Ecosystems Through Stormwater Management Act. This legislation would establishe a program at the Department of Defense to carry out stormwater management projects at military installations to protect waterways and stormwater-stressed ecosystems.
The Northeast-Midwest Institute (NEMWI) and the Great Lakes Washington Program continue to monitor the progress of Great Lakes legislation through its Great Lakes Legislative Tracker. The updated Tracker can be viewed here.
Follow the Northeast-Midwest Institute on Twitter
FOLLOW us on Twitter! The Northeast-Midwest Institute is on Twitter with new updates and information on its regional research and policy education program and with announcements for upcoming briefings and events. NEMWI is posting our research reports on current regional issues and ongoing policy education on the page to make keeping up with our policy work easier than ever. The Institute also is updating the page with announcements of upcoming policy briefings and webinars. NEMWI is excited for the opportunity to connect with as many people as possible on our Twitter page.
Please check out our Twitter page here or by searching @NEMWInstitute. And be sure to FOLLOW us to keep up to date with NEMWI on Twitter!
Follow the Northeast-Midwest Institute on Facebook
LIKE us on Facebook! The Northeast-Midwest Institute is on Facebook with new updates and information on its regional research and policy education program and with announcements for upcoming briefings and events. NEMWI is posting our research reports on current regional issues and ongoing policy education on the page to make keeping up with our policy work easier than ever. The Institute also is updating the page with announcements of upcoming policy briefings and webinars. NEMWI is excited for the opportunity to connect with as many people as possible on our Facebook page.
Please check out our Facebook page here. And be sure to LIKE us to begin following NEMWI on Facebook!
This Week in Washington
No House or Senate hearings this week due to Thanksgiving holiday.
