Web meetings provide an opportunity to learn about developments related to issues on the GLLC’s policy agenda. All GLLC web meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
Upcoming Web Meetings
Webinar: December 18, 2023
This webinar is open to all and will focus on policy and funding opportunities that help expand the use of on-farm anaerobic digesters. Organized by the CSG Midwestern Legislative Conference Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, and led by AgSTAR experts, this webinar will begin at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time/12:30 p.m. Central Time on Monday, Dec. 18.
Can anaerobic digesters (also known as manure digesters) really be a win for agriculture, a win for energy development, and a win for the environment? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S Department of Agriculture say “yes.”
AgSTAR is a collaborative program sponsored by the EPA and USDA that promotes the use of biogas recovery systems to reduce methane emissions from livestock waste. This Dec. 18 webinar will explore how digesters capture methane, produce energy for farmers and protect waterways — as well as focus on the role of state policy in helping tap into federal funding for on-farm digester projects.
Open to all, this event of the MLC Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee also is being co-sponsored by the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus and the MLC Energy and Environment Committee.
Past Web Meetings
2023
FEMA Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program
Friday, August 11, 2023
The newly-created FEMA Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program allows states, territories, and recognized tribes to apply for capitalization loans to assist local communities with hazard mitigation related to natural disasters and hazards. Representatives from the program offered an informational presentation, including a question and answer session. The webinar consisted of a program overview including eligibility requirements, mechanisms for how a Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund can be set-up, eligible projects and the maximum flexibility of the program, tips for the application process, and a look-ahead to the next funding cycle in 2024.
Climate Trends and Impacts in the Great Lakes Region
Friday, March 31, 2023
Omar Gates, Climatologist with GLISA, a NOAA CAP/RISA team, covered historical trends and future projections related to temperature, precipitation, seasonality, and extremes, along with their impacts on lake ice cover, lake levels, agriculture, infrastructure, natural resources, public health, and more.
Tracking the Great Lakes Region’s Progress Through Blue Accounting: An Update
Friday, February 10, 2023
The Great Lakes Commission‘s Nicole Zacharda and Ceci Weibert presented the newly-released Blue Accounting drinking water dashboard, as well as updated members on nutrient management and aquatic invasive species tracking. Blue Accounting is an information service that Great Lakes leaders can use to learn about policies throughout the region and track effectiveness. See a summary here.
2022
Plastics in the Great Lakes: An Update on the Science and Discussions on Future Cleanup Efforts
(March 18)
Climate Resiliency: Challenges and Opportunities for Great Lakes States and Coastal Communities
(March 11)
- Recording
- Slide Decks
- “Improving Climate Resilience in Great Lakes Communities,” Brandon Krumwiede, National Oceanic and Atomsopheric Administration »
- “Building a Climate Resilient Great Lakes Basin,” Eric Brown, Great Lakes Commission »
- “Building Coastal Resilience in Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities,” Matt Doss, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative »
Great Lakes Policy Update: A Look Back to Key Developments in 2021 and Look Ahead to the Rest of 2022
(March 4)
Water Quality and Wetlands: What the Science Tells Us, and Why Public Policy Matters
(February 25)
2021
The Great Lakes –St Lawrence Legislative Caucus hosted a series of virtual meetings reviewing some of the policies and programs that the states and provinces in the region have implemented to reduce and control the nutrient runoff into the waters of the Great Lakes.
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service Programs Related Water Quality
(September 17)
This virtual meeting looked at various USDA-NRCS programs available to landowners that impact water quality.
Federal Infrastructure Program Opportunities
(September 10)
The Great Lakes Commission Blue Accounting
(May 21)
This virtual meeting offered the opportunity to preview the key features of the Great Lakes Commission Blue Accounting new website.
State and Provincial Nutrient Management Efforts in the Great Lakes, Part 2
(May 7)
This virtual meeting offered the opportunity to discuss H2Ohio, New York’s Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans and Ontario’s Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating Sustainability
State and Provincial Nutrient Management Efforts in the Great Lakes, Part 1
(April 23)
This virtual meeting offered the opportunity to discuss Michigan’s Environment Environmental Assurance Program, Wisconsin Producer Led Watershed Management Grants, and Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program and Buffer Strip Law.
Federal Policy Developments and Prospects
(February 19)
The one-hour event featured a review of recent developments in U.S. federal policies as well as a look at what might be in store under a new administration and Congress. The guest speaker was Chad Lord, Policy Director for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. The meeting also featured a brief business session to share GLLC news and planned activities for 2021.
2020
Policy Developments in the Effort to Control the Introduction and Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
(December 11)
- Slide Deck
- Recording
- Recap
- Helpful Links
Prospects for Great Lakes Restoration and Protection in the Time of COVID-19
(June 5)
Data-Driven Decision Making: How Blue Accounting Can Help Drive Progress in the Great Lakes
(April 17)
Efforts to Reduce Nutrient Pollution in the Great Lakes Region (March 6)
Task Force on Lead Web Meeting
(February 3)
2019
Key Great Lakes Policy Developments to Follow in 2020 (December 13)
High Water Levels in the Great Lakes and Their Impact on Coastal Communities (September 6)
Federal, State, and Provincial Legislative Review (June 7)
Effective Measures to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water (March 1)
2018
Documenting Results through Blue Accounting (December 14)
Great Lakes Legislative Review of State, Provincial and Federal Legislation (June 1)
PFAS Contamination as an Emerging Threat to Drinking Water (March 2)
2017
Harmful Algal Blooms in the Great Lakes and What’s Being Done to Prevent Them (December 1)
Great Lakes Legislative Review (March 20)
2016
Great Lakes Issues to Watch in 2017 (December 12)
Great Lakes Legislation to Watch (April 28)
The Soo Locks: A Key Part of Great Lakes Infrastructure, Economic Growth (January 11)
2015
The Great Lakes Compact Put to the Test: Waukesha’s Diversion Request, Part 2 (August 20)
The Great Lakes Compact Put to the Test: Waukesha’s Diversion Request, Part 1 (August 18)
Harbor Maintenance and Funding in the Great Lakes Region (May 8)
Great Lakes Legislative Review: Bills to Watch in the U.S. Congress and the State and Provincial Capitols (March 27)
Nutrient Runoff and the Great Lakes: A Basinwide Problem (February 18)