Great Lakes Supporters Unveil Bipartisan Restoration Bill

Media Contacts
John Rumpler

Clean Water Director and Senior Attorney, Environment America

Environment America

Washington, DC – Today, Senators Carl Levin (MI), George Voinovich (OH) and several other members of Congress announced the introduction of a bipartisan bill to authorize several programs to protect and restore the Great Lakes and provide $650 million annually in funding.  The Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act of 2010 will fund projects to remove contaminated sediments from the lakes, control invasive species, reduce pollution and restore fish and wildlife habitat.

“In the last 30 years, we have come a long way in cleaning up the Great Lakes. However, there is still much more that needs to be done,” said Piper Crowell, Clean Water Advocate with Environment America.  “Now is the time for a historic commitment of resources to restore the Great Lakes for the millions of Americans who go there for swimming, boating and relaxing,” she said.   

Senators Klobuchar (MN), Franken (MN), Brown (OH), Durbin (IL) and Stabenow (MI) joined Senators Levin (MI) and Voinovich (OH) in cosponsoring the Senate bill.  A companion bill in the House is being sponsored by Representatives Ehlers (MI-3), Dingell (MI-15), Slaughter (NY-28) and Kirk (IL-10). 

“Congress should pass the Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act of 2010 to protect the Great Lakes for the millions of Americans who enjoy them now and for future generations who will want to visit these national treasures,” Crowell said. 

###

Environment America is a federation of 28 state-based citizen-funded environmental groups worker for a cleaner, greener, healthier future.