Featured Stories
National Parks Conservation Association: Administration Delivers Devasting Blow to National Park Species Recovery
WASHINGTON, July 14 -- The National Parks Conservation Association issued the following news release:
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Administration Delivers Devasting Blow to National Park Species Recovery
The Trump Administration's elimination of major habitat protections from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) delivers a devastating blow to national park species recovery, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. The administration's final rule alters how "harm" is defined under Endangered Species Act (ESA) - a definition that has been in place for decades and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
This
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WASHINGTON, July 14 -- The National Parks Conservation Association issued the following news release:
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Administration Delivers Devasting Blow to National Park Species Recovery
The Trump Administration's elimination of major habitat protections from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) delivers a devastating blow to national park species recovery, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. The administration's final rule alters how "harm" is defined under Endangered Species Act (ESA) - a definition that has been in place for decades and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Thischange in how agencies carry out the law undermines species' recovery and could accelerate the destruction of habitats on park-adjacent land that wildlife, plants, and fish rely on.
This final Trump rule rescinds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's and National Marine Fisheries Service's definitions of what counts as illegal "harm" to threatened and endangered wildlife under the ESA. "Harm" has long been defined to include significant habitat modification that kills or injures species by removing necessities such as food and shelter.
"Destroying or damaging habitats is just as lethal to endangered species as directly hurting them, said Bart Melton, senior wildlife program director for the National Parks Conservation Association. "This change in how the law is carried out defies common sense, science, and paves the way for mining, oil and gas drilling, logging, and development in areas that are crucial to the survival of some of our most vulnerable species. This rule ignores decades of conservation science and could undermine recovery efforts for more than 600 species, from salmon in Olympic to grizzlies in Yellowstone, that rely on lands and waters connected to our national parks."
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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan, National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.9 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation's most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.
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Original text here: https://www.npca.org/articles/11459-administration-delivers-devasting-blow-to-national-park-species-recovery
[Category: Environment]
Insider Report of Sick, Dead Animals at Pet Supplies Plus Prompts PETA Call to End Animal Sales
NORFOLK, Virginia, July 14 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
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Insider Report of Sick, Dead Animals at Pet Supplies Plus Prompts PETA Call to End Animal Sales
Livonia, Mich. - After a Pet Supplies Plus store manager contacted PETA with concerns about sick and dead animals repeatedly arriving from Atlanta-based supplier Sun Pet--and reports of corporate leadership dismissing those concerns--PETA fired off a letter today to Livonia-based Pet Supplies Plus CEO Chris Rowland calling out the company's ties to this massive wholesaler and urging it
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NORFOLK, Virginia, July 14 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
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Insider Report of Sick, Dead Animals at Pet Supplies Plus Prompts PETA Call to End Animal Sales
Livonia, Mich. - After a Pet Supplies Plus store manager contacted PETA with concerns about sick and dead animals repeatedly arriving from Atlanta-based supplier Sun Pet--and reports of corporate leadership dismissing those concerns--PETA fired off a letter today to Livonia-based Pet Supplies Plus CEO Chris Rowland calling out the company's ties to this massive wholesaler and urging itto stop selling animals.
According to the Pet Supplies Plus whistleblower, animals received from Sun Pet have included hamsters with "wet tail"--a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea; ferrets with apparent rectal and penile prolapses who died shortly after arrival to the store; guinea pigs with ringworm and upper respiratory infections; and entire shipments of fish who were dead on arrival. Federal officials have documented systemic animal suffering and neglect at both Sun Pet and East Dundee-based Apet, which the whistleblower identified as another Pet Supplies Plus supplier. In rare moves, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued Sun Pet an official warning last year for failing to provide animals with adequate care and suspended Apet's dealer's license in May for "willfully" violating the law by failing to provide veterinary care to numerous animals, including a chinchilla who had been left to suffer for days with an apparent broken leg.
"Animals at Pet Supplies Plus arrive sick, injured, or dead from this notoriously cruel hellhole that warehouses and treats thinking, feeling beings like disposable inventory," says PETA Vice President Daniel Paden. "PETA is calling on the chain to stop selling animals, and urges everyone who wishes to add a small animal to their family to always adopt and never buy animals from pet stores or breeders."
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PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to abuse in any way"--points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
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PETA's letter to Rowland follows.
July 13, 2026
Chris Rowland, CEO
Pet Supplies Plus
Dear Mr. Rowland:
Your urgent attention--and action--are requested. A Pet Supplies Plus store manager has told PETA that one of your suppliers, Sun Pet Ltd., regularly hauls sick, injured, and dead animals to your chain. This is but the latest in the long history of federal reports, undercover investigations, and whistleblower calls exposing systemic suffering, neglect, and abuse in your supply chain. Please do the right thing by ending the sale of animals.
A Pet Supplies Plus store manager has informed us that Sun Pet frequently ships hamsters with obvious signs of "wet tail"--a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea. Ferrets have reportedly arrived with apparent rectal and penile prolapses and died shortly after arrival to the store. Guinea pigs allegedly arrive with ringworm and upper respiratory infections so severe that one animal's eye was sealed shut. Entire shipments of fish--approximately 100 animals each--have arrived dead. According to this manager, corporate leadership dismissed repeated concerns about these animals.
Systemic animal suffering at Sun Pet is well documented, including by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which issued an official warning to the dealer just last year for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act by failing to provide underweight guinea pigs and a hamster whose eye was swollen shut with adequate care. The USDA previously reached a settlement with Sun Pet after the company failed to provide veterinary care and even water to numerous animals, including those with untreated open wounds, hair loss, and nasal discharge. Federal inspectors discovered widespread cannibalism and enclosures scattered with "pieces of dead hamsters."
Such neglect has also been documented at Apet, which, according to your manager, supplies animals to some of your other stores. In May, the USDA suspended Apet's license for "willfully" violating the law by failing to provide veterinary care to guinea pigs with skin lesions as well as to thin, lethargic rabbits and a chinchilla who had been left for days without treatment for an apparent broken leg. The suspension also cited Apet's failure to properly sanitize animal enclosures and ensure that animals housed together were compatible, resulting in fights among stressed gerbils, who wounded each other. As you can see, it appears that animals in your supply chain are often deprived of basic necessities of life.
Ten years ago, Pet Supplies Plus cut ties with supplier Holmes Farm, after PETA's undercover investigation exposed that workers froze animals alive, crudely gassed them to death in a feces-smeared cooler, and left sick and emaciated animals to languish for days without care, including rabbits who eventually succumbed. A decade later, you're still evidently doing business with small animal factory farms that have repeatedly been found in violation of federal law. Please do the right thing at long last by ending the sale of animals and selling what your name suggests: supplies.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Sarah Deffinger
Senior Evidence Analyst
Cruelty Investigations Department
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/insider-report-of-sick-dead-animals-at-pet-supplies-plus-prompts-peta-call-to-end-animal-sales/
[Category: Animals]
Florida Chamber of Commerce Announces Second Round of 2026 Legislative Endorsements
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, July 14 -- The Florida Chamber of Commerce issued the following news:
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Florida Chamber of Commerce Announces Second Round of 2026 Legislative Endorsements
Bipartisan List of 25 Additional Endorsed Candidates Running for Election This Year Brings Total to 106 Chamber-Endorsed Candidates for 2026
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The Florida Chamber of Commerce is again uniting Florida's business community to help make Florida more competitive and today endorsed a bipartisan list of 25 additional candidates running for election this year.
These candidates underwent a thorough vetting by the business
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, July 14 -- The Florida Chamber of Commerce issued the following news:
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Florida Chamber of Commerce Announces Second Round of 2026 Legislative Endorsements
Bipartisan List of 25 Additional Endorsed Candidates Running for Election This Year Brings Total to 106 Chamber-Endorsed Candidates for 2026
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The Florida Chamber of Commerce is again uniting Florida's business community to help make Florida more competitive and today endorsed a bipartisan list of 25 additional candidates running for election this year.
These candidates underwent a thorough vetting by the businesscommunity as part of the Florida Chamber Political Institute's Candidate Interview process. Covering four cities over six weeks, more than 90 leading business organizations joined together to interview over 100 candidates for state legislative office.
"To secure Florida's future, we must continue to elect leaders dedicated to enhancing our global competitiveness, furthering economic opportunity, and protecting what makes Florida, Florida," said Mark Wilson, President and CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce. "We believe these candidates possess the leadership needed to continue Florida's economic momentum and execute our blueprint to build a top 10 global economy and deliver the more than 785,000 new jobs needed by 2030."
The Florida Chamber is proud to stand alongside the following candidates, putting its full 100-plus years of combined political experience behind getting them elected.
Senate:
District 8: Jake Johansson
District 21: Chris Nocco
District 30: Lauren Book
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House:
District 2: Jon Fay
District 6: Tricia Berry
District 10: Chase Brannan
District 12: Terrance Freeman
District 21: Xavier J. Monroe
District 38: Emily Duda Buckley
District 47: Jorge Figureoa
District 53: Brian Hawkins
District 55: Walter Price
District 60: Melissa Rutland
District 63: Jacqueline Coffee-Leeks
District 64: Mike Suarez
District 67: Luis Viera
District 68: Ryan Gill
District 71: Jordan Varnadore
District 74: Jennifer Peeples Winkler
District 78: Susan Frantz
District 82: Liesa Priddy
District 85: Anthony Bonna
District 87: Jon Maples
District 100: Eric "Doc" Stelnicki
District 116: Ashley Perez-Biliskov
The Florida Chamber previously released a first round of legislative endorsements for incumbent and former legislators. Further endorsements may follow.
With all 120 House seats and half of Florida Senate seats on the 2026 ballot, the Florida Chamber leads the business community's efforts to recruit and elect better candidates through the Florida Free Enterprise Fund, Florida Chamber Political Institute and the Florida Institute for Political Leadership. For more information about these initiatives, contact the Florida Chamber's Executive Vice President of Government & Political Relations, Frank Walker, at fwalker@flchamber.com.
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Original text here: https://www.flchamber.com/florida-chamber-of-commerce-announces-second-round-of-2026-legislative-endorsements/
[Category: Business]
Enviro Orgs File Lawsuit Seeking Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed New Mill Pond Dam
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, July 14 -- Save the Sound posted the following news release on July 13, 2026:
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Enviro Orgs File Lawsuit Seeking Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed New Mill Pond Dam
Restoring Long Island's Nissequogue River natural wildlife habitat and supporting the natural floodplain at forefront of litigation
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(EAST ISLIP, NY) -- Six environmental organizations have filed a lawsuit against the Suffolk County Legislature challenging the County's failure to fully evaluate the potential ecological and community resilience impacts of building a new dam on the now free-flowing
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NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, July 14 -- Save the Sound posted the following news release on July 13, 2026:
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Enviro Orgs File Lawsuit Seeking Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed New Mill Pond Dam
Restoring Long Island's Nissequogue River natural wildlife habitat and supporting the natural floodplain at forefront of litigation
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(EAST ISLIP, NY) -- Six environmental organizations have filed a lawsuit against the Suffolk County Legislature challenging the County's failure to fully evaluate the potential ecological and community resilience impacts of building a new dam on the now free-flowingstretch of the Nissequogue River.
On Friday Seatuck Environmental Association, Save the Sound, American Rivers, Four Harbors Audubon Society, Long Island Trout Unlimited, and Open Space Council petitioned the Suffolk County Supreme Court for review of the County's decision not to complete an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) before moving forward with plans to construct the proposed New Mill Pond Dam (also known as the Blydenburgh/Stump Pond Dam) in Blydenburgh County Park without a complete full EIS as legally required by the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). SEQRA requires an EIS for proposed projects that may include the potential for even a single significant adverse environmental impact.
The organizations submitted written comments and in-person testimony detailing the numerous ways the proposed dam would result in such impacts, including reducing floodwater storage capacity, eliminating two miles of free-flowing river, destroying freshwater wetlands, impeding migratory fish passage, degrading water quality and wildlife habitat, and imperiling several state-listed endangered and threatened species, including the Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. An Environmental Impact Statement, the lawsuit (https://www.savethesound.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LEGAL_Nissequogue_Verified-Petition_2026-07-10.pdf) explains, is therefore required.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation stated in two letters that the project meets the requirements for a positive declaration under SEQRA and recommended an Environmental Impact Statement. The County issued a negative declaration and declined to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement.
"Since the prior dam failed in 2024, the Nissequogue and its floodplain have begun to revert back to their natural state, becoming healthier, more resilient, and better able to support the hundreds of species that once thrived in and along the river," said Enrico Nardone, executive director of Seatuck Environmental Association. "A new dam would have significant adverse impacts on this important habitat and eliminate the possibility of further recovery for the most ecologically significant river on Long Island's North Shore. Suffolk County has failed to conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement, which is necessary to thoroughly evaluate the potential adverse environmental impacts of the proposed dam, as well as to fully analyze options to avoid and mitigate the impending harm."
The Nissequogue River has undergone a natural restoration process since the prior dam collapsed in August 2024. Wetlands, native plants, and meadows are thriving, and bird abundance and diversity have increased. There is a decrease in invasive plant species such as hydrilla and dangerous toxic blooms of cyanobacteria. Additionally, the failure of the dam has provided two miles of riverine habitat suitable for native cold-water fish species such as brook trout, American eel, and river herring.
Further, the restored natural floodplain can help reduce flood risk and protect residents by acting like an empty bucket or dry sponge that can capture precipitation and runoff better than a dammed impoundment can. The proposed dam would undo this progress, which the County has not addressed.
"SEQRA requires consideration of the potential significant adverse environmental impacts of this proposal to dam the Nissequogue," said Dara Illowsky, New York staff attorney at Save the Sound. "Damming a free-flowing stretch of river and destroying acres of wetlands and fish and wildlife habitat without completing an Environmental Impact Statement violates this obligation."
Statements from Participating Organizations:
In less than two years since the dam breach, the Nissequogue River has experienced an incredible resurgence in native plants, fish, and birds in Blydenburgh Park. Building a new dam would reverse these gains, reduce water quality, fragment the ecosystem, and waste millions of taxpayer dollars. - Emilia Deimezis, associate director of river restoration, American Rivers
Since the dam failed, and the Stump Pond impoundment drained, the quality of Blydenburgh County's Park environment has improved, with one sign being a number of bird species never before recorded from the park being seen and species that had been recorded being observed in greater numbers. Clearly then, from a "bird's-eye-view," it makes sense to conduct an in-depth environmental review and analysis in the form of an environmental impact statement to fully understand all of the myriad benefits of a free-flowing river through the park and the adverse ecological impacts of building a new dam. We believe that state law requires no less than a complete and thorough review envisioned by the SEQRA regulations. - John Turner, board member and conservation chair, Four Harbors Audubon Society
As one of Long Island's premier and largest cold-water habitats, the Nissequogue River once held a robust population of native brook trout. Creation of the dam two centuries ago severely depleted habitats critical for trout survival and reproduction. An open, transparent, and thorough review of the plan to create a new dam is critical to the health of the river and local communities. - Rick Vickers, board of directors, Long Island Trout Unlimited
We mourn the loss of the Nissequogue's integrity, life, wildlife, and beauty that are sure to result from an illegal and improperly assessed construction approval of a new dam. We have seen a preview of this potential fate on the Carmans River, where low-oxygen, overheated impoundment sections mirror the lethal-to-wildlife conditions that existed on the Nissequogue before the dam's collapse restored a fresh, cold water, free-flowing river. - Karen Blumer, president, Open Space Council
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Original text here: https://www.savethesound.org/2026/07/13/press-release-enviro-orgs-file-lawsuit-seeking-environmental-impact-statement-for-proposed-new-mill-pond-dam/
[Category: Environment]
Earthjustice: Trump Administration Illegally Attacks Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 14 -- Earthjustice issued the following news release on July 13, 2026:
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Trump Administration Illegally Attacks Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments
Earthjustice vows to take legal action in response to Trump's proclamations
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Washington, D.C. -- President Trump has signed proclamations that once again attempt to strip protections for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah. Today's proclamations would illegally reduce the boundaries of the monuments for a second time. In response to the news, Earthjustice
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 14 -- Earthjustice issued the following news release on July 13, 2026:
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Trump Administration Illegally Attacks Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments
Earthjustice vows to take legal action in response to Trump's proclamations
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Washington, D.C. -- President Trump has signed proclamations that once again attempt to strip protections for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah. Today's proclamations would illegally reduce the boundaries of the monuments for a second time. In response to the news, Earthjusticevowed to take legal action to maintain protections for these treasured landscapes.
The first Trump administration tried to strip monument protections from half of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and nearly 90% of Bears Ears National Monument. Earthjustice swiftly filed suit on behalf of conservation groups, and in partnership with Tribes, challenging the administration's illegal actions. Those lawsuits are currently stayed in district court, as President Biden restored both monuments in 2021.
The Trump administration's attack today goes much further than the initial reduction in 2017. The proclamations reduce Bears Ears to just 8.9% of its prior size and Grand Staircase-Escalante to 9.7% of its prior size.
"President Trump's attack on Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments is just as illegal today as it was in 2017," said Heidi McIntosh, managing attorney for Earthjustice's Rocky Mountain Office. "The Antiquities Act authorizes presidents to designate national monuments, not to destroy them. Today's proclamations are a slap to the face of public lands visitors across the country, as well as the local communities and Tribes that have worked for years to protect these special places. Earthjustice and our partners are prepared to vigorously defend the monuments once again."
The Antiquities Act of 1906 authorizes presidents to designate national monuments, but it does not give them the power to shrink the monuments created by their predecessors or to undercut their protections. Congress's intent was clear: the Antiquities Act must be used to protect the nation's archaeological, cultural, and scientific wonders.
President Trump erroneously claimed today that the national monuments are off-limits for hiking, fishing, and hunting. In fact, the monuments are used for these purposes, among others, by hundreds of thousands of visitors for whom the monuments are popular and beloved.
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About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
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Original text here: https://earthjustice.org/press/2026/trump-administration-illegally-attacks-bears-ears-and-grand-staircase-escalante-national-monuments
[Category: Environment]
Americans for Tax Reform: Aaron Guckian Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge in Race for Governor of Rhode Island
WASHINGTON, July 14 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on July 13, 2026, by Kiran Subramanian:
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Aaron Guckian Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge in Race for Governor of Rhode Island
Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) commends Rhode Island gubernatorial candidate Aaron Guckian for signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.
So far, Aaron Guckian is the only gubernatorial candidate who has signed the pledge, a written commitment to Rhode Island taxpayers to "oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes" once elected governor.
Guckian's support for the Taxpayer
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WASHINGTON, July 14 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on July 13, 2026, by Kiran Subramanian:
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Aaron Guckian Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge in Race for Governor of Rhode Island
Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) commends Rhode Island gubernatorial candidate Aaron Guckian for signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.
So far, Aaron Guckian is the only gubernatorial candidate who has signed the pledge, a written commitment to Rhode Island taxpayers to "oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes" once elected governor.
Guckian's support for the TaxpayerProtection Pledge reflects a clear understanding of the challenges facing Rhode Island taxpayers. At a time when the state has no affordable metropolitan area, families are struggling with rising grocery costs, and businesses are closing their doors, Aaron Guckian recognizes that Rhode Island needs a reset built on lower taxes, fiscal responsibility and management, and economic growth.
His Rhode Island Works Smarter plan emphasizes permitting reform, more efficient government services, and policies that make the state more welcoming to businesses and investment. He's also called for a long-term, sustainable budget that prioritizes innovation, work, and small business growth.
By signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, Guckian also creates a sharp contrast between himself and incumbent Democrat Governor Dan McKee.
Governor Dan McKee has overseen a budget that has grown by half a billion dollars, yet his administration and Democrats in the legislature continue to ask Rhode Islanders to pay more. Under McKee, Rhode Island has instituted a millionaire's tax, a non-primary-residence tax, and increased burdensome regulations that make it harder to live, work, and invest in the Ocean State.
At a time when Rhode Islanders are leaving for lower-tax, more economically competitive states, policymakers should recognize that higher taxes and bigger government are a recipe for continued economic stagnation. Governor Dan McKee's record of higher spending, higher taxes, and heavier regulation has done little to improve the state's long-term competitiveness and has instead made it more difficult for families, workers, and businesses to succeed in Rhode Island. Aaron Guckian is offering a new approach.
Americans for Tax Reform created the Taxpayer Protection Pledge in 1985 to solidify candidates' commitments to taxpayers. President Reagan urged all candidates to sign the Pledge, campaigning for and praising candidates who did so. Today, over 1,400 elected officials and candidates on the federal and state levels are Taxpayer Protection Pledge signers.
New candidates sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge regularly. For the most up-to-date information on this race or any other, please visit the ATR Pledge Database.
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Original text here: https://atr.org/aaron-guckian-signs-taxpayer-protection-pledge-in-race-for-governor-of-rhode-island/
[Category: Political]
Alliance for the Great Lakes Announces the Community Partnerships Grant Program
CHICAGO, Illinois, July 14 -- The Alliance for the Great Lakes issued the following news release:
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Alliance for the Great Lakes Announces the Community Partnerships Grant Program
More Than $1 Million Available for Communities in Illinois and Indiana to Lead Critical Restoration Projects
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The Alliance for the Great Lakes is pleased to announce the new Community Partnerships Grant Program - Southern Lake Michigan (CPGP), a funding program to support the aims of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Through CPGP, the Alliance will award a total of $1,125,000 in 2026 for community-driven
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CHICAGO, Illinois, July 14 -- The Alliance for the Great Lakes issued the following news release:
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Alliance for the Great Lakes Announces the Community Partnerships Grant Program
More Than $1 Million Available for Communities in Illinois and Indiana to Lead Critical Restoration Projects
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The Alliance for the Great Lakes is pleased to announce the new Community Partnerships Grant Program - Southern Lake Michigan (CPGP), a funding program to support the aims of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Through CPGP, the Alliance will award a total of $1,125,000 in 2026 for community-drivenprojects that will reduce pollution, control invasive species, and restore lands and waters for communities within the Southern Lake Michigan Watershed program area.
CPGP was established under a cooperative agreement between the Alliance and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In collaboration with the Calumet Collaborative, Friends of the Chicago River, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, and Faith in Place, the newly formed grant program will fund restoration projects in communities where they are needed most. Projects must be completed by September 15, 2028.
"For too long, many communities in Southern Lake Michigan have lived with the impacts of flooding, pollution, and habitat loss. This added Great Lakes funding will support a wide range of community-driven projects that meet critical needs - like capturing rainwater, cleaning and filtering water before it enters rivers and lakes, and creating healthy environments where people and wildlife can thrive for generations to come," said Joel Brammeier, President, and CEO of Alliance for the Great Lakes.
To ensure that this funding opportunity is accessible to communities with the greatest need for restoration projects, CPGP partners will help ease administrative burdens and provide technical assistance - both through the application process and in support of project implementation.
"We are thrilled to be part of this program in which GLRI dollars will flow to communities that too often miss out on Federal investments. It is exciting that cherished community places like neighborhood farms and schoolyard gardens can receive funding and build their capacity," said Maya Etienne, Co-Executive Director of Calumet Collaborative.
"This program is a pivotal initiative that aligns local priorities in northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana with the overarching goals of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative," said EPA Great Lakes National Program Director Teresa Seidel. "By providing grant funding directly into the hands of communities, we are empowering them to tackle critical environmental challenges and ensure their projects not only succeed but also have lasting impacts on the health and vitality of the Great Lakes region."
Eligible applicants including cities, states, Tribes, nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, educational institutions, school districts, soil and water conservation districts, land trusts and other eligible entities that represent Great Lakes communities can apply directly to the Community Partnerships Grant Program (CPGP). Applicants are strongly encouraged to partner with organizations and/or agencies that are in the community where the proposed GLRI project is located and that can play a role in ensuring durational success.
For the first round of funding, a Letter of Intent is required by September 4, 2026. Application workshops will be provided on Wednesday, July 22, 4:00 pm, at Altgeld Garden Library, 955 East 131st Street, Chicago, IL and on Thursday, July 23, 4:00 pm, at Gary Public Library & Cultural Center, 220 W 5th Ave, Gary, IN. A recorded workshop webinar is available online. Selected projects will be awarded up to $300,000.
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Original text here: https://greatlakes.org/2026/07/alliance-for-the-great-lakes-announces-the-community-partnerships-grant-program/
[Category: Environment]
