Stanley “Skip” Pruss, environmental attorney, clean energy expert, and a cherished member of the team at Flow Water Advocates, built a remarkable career as a public servant and public interest advocate. He believed that facts would carry the day, and his vast intellect, huge heart, and dogged tenacity endeared him to us and inspired us. When his life was abruptly cut short in September 2026, the Great Lakes — and all of us — lost a fierce, strategic, and dauntless champion.
Skip left many lasting gifts to Michiganders, in the form of environmental victories. He helped establish the Great Lakes Fishery Trust and craft the 1990 “polluter pay” law, and he successfully defended Michigan’s Wetland Protection Act.
At Flow Water Advocates, Skip served as board chair, and then as close advisor and colleague on the fight to shut down Enbridge Line 5 at the Straits of Mackinac, septic and water infrastructure legislation, and the value of the public trust doctrine.
Throughout his career, Skip prioritized passing the torch to young people. Dedicated to shepherding the next generation of public interest advocates, he enthusiastically counseled countless students and colleagues, at Flow and beyond, with integrity and vision, while generously sharing his expertise.
Andy Buchsbaum, former director, National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes office
In working with Flow to conceptualize a fund to honor Skip’s legacy, his family highlighted Skip’s love of learning and teaching, and the delight he took in mentoring emerging leaders in the environmental field.
Accordingly, the Skip Pruss Legacy Fund will carry forward Skip’s commitment to public policy, active legislation, and vigorous defense of the Great Lakes while also fostering environmental policy leadership in students and young professionals.
In this way, Skip’s legacy will live on and grow, as each gift enables Flow to continue his work in cultivating both passion and skill in those who will bear the torch on behalf of public trust in the Great Lakes for years to come.
To make a gift to the Skip Pruss Legacy Fund, click here, call Flow at 231.944.1568, or mail a check to: Flow Water Advocates, 223 Lake Avenue, Suite B, Traverse City, MI 49684.
