{"id":7565,"date":"2024-07-23T13:17:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-23T17:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/?p=7565"},"modified":"2024-10-09T13:18:33","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T17:18:33","slug":"advocating-for-our-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/","title":{"rendered":"Advocating for Our Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/03\/brinks.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Brinks Email Banner&#8221; title_text=&#8221;brinks`&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; force_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>Dear Neighbor,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>It\u2019s my honor to serve our West Michigan community in the Michigan Senate, where advancing environmental protections for the greater good of our state is one of my top priorities. From tackling toxic PFAS chemicals in our drinking water to working to expand protections for victims of environmental contaminations, I am proud of <\/span><span>my track record of fighting hard for the health and safety of our residents and our <\/span><span>environment \u2014 especially as we continue grappling with an increasing number of severe weather events and extreme temperatures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>This newsletter provides an update on our legislative efforts to safeguard our environment, build up our clean energy infrastructure, preserve the integrity of our natural resources, and so much more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>As always, I\u2019d love to hear from you about proactive ways we can work together to <\/span><span>protect our state\u2019s natural resources. Please feel free to reach out to my office to <\/span><span>share your perspective on this or any issue \u2014 we are here to serve you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Sincerely,<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/12\/Brinks-signature.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Brinks Signature&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Brinks-signature&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><strong>Winnie Brinks<\/strong><br \/>State Senator<br \/>District 29<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><strong>Charting A Clean Energy Future<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Fresh Air, Clean Water, &amp; Good Jobs<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 2\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>For years, Michigan citizens have called for decisive action to address concerns about climate change\u00a0\u2014 concerns that have long gone unaddressed. Last year, my legislative colleagues and I took bold steps\u00a0<\/span><span>to combat the disastrous effects of our climate crisis and create a more sustainable state for future generations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Our Clean Energy Future plan \u2014 comprised of Senate Bills 271, 273, 277, 502, and 519 \u2014 are integral\u00a0to positioning our state as a national leader in clean energy, while also diversifying Michigan\u2019s economy and supporting workers, farmers, and consumers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Boosts Energy Efficiency &amp; Lower Costs<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 2\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>In order to improve long-term energy affordability, it\u2019s vital we find ways to boost<br \/>our energy efficiency. This legislative package includes new requirements for utility companies, allowing us to see an increase in electric efficiency standards from 1% to 1.5% for electricity energy waste reduction, as well as an increase in natural gas efficiency standards from 0.75% to 0.875% for gas energy waste reduction by 2026. These new laws also expand the availability of efficiency programs for customers, <\/span><span>helping to further lower costs for folks struggling to make ends meet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Promotes Environmental Justice &amp; Public Health<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 2\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>For too long, Michiganders \u2014 particularly those from disadvantaged communities<br \/>\u2014 have not been properly involved in the decision-making process regarding utility companies\u2019 energy plans. With our Clean Energy Future proposal, we\u2019re giving everyone a seat at the table and creating more opportunities for public participation by requiring the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to host at least four public meetings each year. Additionally, this legislation requires the MPSC to consider the impact of energy policies and energy plans on environmental justice, public health, and the health of our climate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Supports Michigan Workers in the Transition to Clean Energy<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 2\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>Here in Michigan, we\u2019re proving that business and environmental interests can work together to create the economy of the future. Not only are we building a greener, more sustainable state, we are doing so in a way that will bring new businesses to Michigan and create thousands of good-paying jobs in the process. By establishing the brand- <\/span><span>new Office of Community and Worker Economic Transition, our Clean Energy Future plan will ensure Michigan workers \u2014 from welders to electricians to pipefitters \u2014 reap the benefits as we build out new clean energy infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Moves Michigan to 100% Clean &amp; Renewable Energy<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 2\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>A core tenet of the Clean Energy Future plan is the expansion of Michigan\u2019s Renewable <\/span><span>Energy Standard. This new policy puts Michigan on a path towards achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030, 60% renewable energy by 2035, and 100% clean energy<\/span><span>statewide by 2040. To ensure we reach these goals, our new energy laws also break down barriers to rooftop solar and other wind and solar projects, giving more Michigan consumers and farmers the power to generate their own clean energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Building-Up-Michigans-Clean-Water-Infrastructure.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Building up Michigan&#8217;s clean water infrastructure &#8211; drinking fountains&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Building Up Michigan&#8217;s Clean Water Infrastructure&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 2\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>Clean water infrastructure is essential for maintaining healthy lakes and a thriving environment. Unfortunately, our state\u2019s water infrastructure is outdated, poorly rated, and in need of repair after decades of neglect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Throughout my time in the State Legislature, I have focused on securing targeted investments and implementing legislation that help to preserve the health of our Great Lakes and enhance our water infrastructure. <\/span><span>These efforts include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><span>Allocating $600 million <\/span><span>to replace lead service lines and rebuild sewers in our state\u2019s most overburdened communities.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span><\/span><span>Passing Senate Bills 88 and 89, <\/span><span>which require schools and child care centers to <\/span><span>install water filters that protect children from the dangers of lead in drinking water.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span>Enacting Senate Bill 14 <\/span><span>to repeal the state\u2019s \u201cno stricter than federal\u201d law that <\/span><span>prevented Michigan officials from strengthening environmental and public health <\/span><span>protections that exceeded federal standards. This is especially pertinent to the work of addressing PFAS contamination and keeping residents safe here in West Michigan.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span>Securing $3.7 million <\/span><span>in federal grants to support the National Wastewater Surveillance System and improve information sharing between partners, accelerating the implementation of wastewater surveillance for public health action.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span>Leveraging $1 million <\/span><span>in federal grants for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Program to support two green infrastructure projects that address polluted stormwater runoff.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Investments-in-Our-Environment.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Investments in Our Environment &#8211; Sen Brinks at podium speaking&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Investments in Our Environment&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 2\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>In addition to taking legislative action to tackle the climate crisis, the Michigan Senate prioritized our environment in the 2024 state budget. Through targeted, meaningful investments aimed at protecting Michigan\u2019s natural resources and expanding opportunities for folks to get outdoors, we\u2019re ensuring everyone who calls our state home <\/span><span>can enjoy the benefits of our diverse landscapes. <\/span><span>Some of these investments include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span>$125 million <\/span><span>to the Dept. of Education and Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to help school districts purchase clean, electric school buses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>$64 million <\/span><span>to complete construction of a dam project to keep invasive Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>$30 million <\/span><span>for the Renewable Ready Communities program, helping to incentivize renewable energy projects throughout the state.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>$20 million <\/span><span>in infrastructure grants for the city of Wyoming\u2019s transformational City Center project, which includes 4.6 miles of trails linking greenspaces to a vibrant and walkable urban center.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>$14 million <\/span><span>to help implement the master plan at John Ball Zoo, whose mission is to preserve wildlife and wild places and provide world-class education about conservation to West Michigan and the entire state.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>$2.2 million <\/span><span>for the Michigan Climate Corps, empowering communities to tackle climate change and protect our environment for future generations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>$1 million <\/span><span>to provide assistance to communities for pollution prevention, monitoring and other remediation activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Legislative-Spotlight-Adovocating-of-Our-Environment.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Legislative Spotlight: Advocating for Our Environment&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Legislative Spotlight Adovocating of Our Environment&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><em><strong>Making Energy Efficiency More Available to Michiganders<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>Senate Bills 302 and 303 help more Michigan businesses make investments to lower their energy costs and environmental impact, conserve water, mitigate lead and PFAS, and other projects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Transforming Obsolete &amp; Contaminated Property<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>Senate Bill 289 expands Michigan\u2019s Brownfield\u00a0<\/span><span>Plan program to make more projects, which are complicated by the presence of contamination or blight, more feasible \u2014 a key priority for Grand Rapids in addressing the need for additional housing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Improving Air Quality<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>Senate Bill 26 creates the Air Quality Enforcement and <\/span><span>Mitigation Fund, which requires fines paid by polluting <\/span><span>companies to be directed back to the community to help alleviate harm caused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Increasing Fines for Illegal Dumping<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>House Bill 4325 raises the fine for those who <\/span><span>illegally dump large amounts of trash, holding them accountable for the cost of cleaning up their mess.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear Neighbor, It\u2019s my honor to serve our West Michigan community in the Michigan Senate, where advancing environmental protections for the greater good of our state is one of my [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":7566,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7565","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newsletter"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.4 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Advocating for Our Environment - Senator Winnie Brinks<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Advocating for Our Environment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dear Neighbor, It\u2019s my honor to serve our West Michigan community in the Michigan Senate, where advancing environmental protections for the greater good of our state is one of my [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Senator Winnie Brinks\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-07-23T17:17:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-10-09T17:18:33+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Advocating-for-our-environment.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1204\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"926\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"jlindsay\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"jlindsay\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"jlindsay\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534\"},\"headline\":\"Advocating for Our Environment\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-07-23T17:17:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-10-09T17:18:33+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/\"},\"wordCount\":1755,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Advocating-for-our-environment.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Newsletter\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/\",\"name\":\"Advocating for Our Environment - Senator Winnie Brinks\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Advocating-for-our-environment.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-07-23T17:17:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-10-09T17:18:33+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Advocating-for-our-environment.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Advocating-for-our-environment.png\",\"width\":1204,\"height\":926,\"caption\":\"Advocating for our environment Senator Brinks\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Advocating for Our Environment\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/\",\"name\":\"Senator Winnie Brinks\",\"description\":\"Michigan Senate Democrats\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534\",\"name\":\"jlindsay\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/80b5c9b8370739af8018d04b8c23e9d262ea73bcd1387d0fa969c4a4a97561c4?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/80b5c9b8370739af8018d04b8c23e9d262ea73bcd1387d0fa969c4a4a97561c4?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"jlindsay\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/author\/jlindsay\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Advocating for Our Environment - Senator Winnie Brinks","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Advocating for Our Environment","og_description":"Dear Neighbor, It\u2019s my honor to serve our West Michigan community in the Michigan Senate, where advancing environmental protections for the greater good of our state is one of my [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/","og_site_name":"Senator Winnie Brinks","article_published_time":"2024-07-23T17:17:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-10-09T17:18:33+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1204,"height":926,"url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Advocating-for-our-environment.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"jlindsay","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"jlindsay","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/"},"author":{"name":"jlindsay","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534"},"headline":"Advocating for Our Environment","datePublished":"2024-07-23T17:17:00+00:00","dateModified":"2024-10-09T17:18:33+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/"},"wordCount":1755,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Advocating-for-our-environment.png","articleSection":["Newsletter"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/","url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/","name":"Advocating for Our Environment - Senator Winnie Brinks","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Advocating-for-our-environment.png","datePublished":"2024-07-23T17:17:00+00:00","dateModified":"2024-10-09T17:18:33+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Advocating-for-our-environment.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/Advocating-for-our-environment.png","width":1204,"height":926,"caption":"Advocating for our environment Senator Brinks"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/07\/23\/advocating-for-our-environment\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Advocating for Our Environment"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/#website","url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/","name":"Senator Winnie Brinks","description":"Michigan Senate Democrats","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534","name":"jlindsay","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/80b5c9b8370739af8018d04b8c23e9d262ea73bcd1387d0fa969c4a4a97561c4?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/80b5c9b8370739af8018d04b8c23e9d262ea73bcd1387d0fa969c4a4a97561c4?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"jlindsay"},"url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/author\/jlindsay\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7565","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7565"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7565\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7573,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7565\/revisions\/7573"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7566"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7565"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7565"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7565"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}