Protecting the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are essential to Michigan’s communities, economy, and environment. Protecting these waters means protecting a resource that millions of people across the region rely on every day.

That’s why I joined a bipartisan group of colleagues from Michigan and Ohio to introduce the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act, legislation that will strengthen federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation efforts.

The bill would designate the Great Lakes Commission as the official Regional Great Lakes Partnership within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Regional Ocean Partnerships program. This designation would ensure our region has access to a fair share of federal funding and resources to support research, conservation, and coordination efforts across the Great Lakes. Giving the Commission a formal role within NOAA’s program will build on those partnerships and help advance the important work already underway to preserve our Great Lakes.

By bringing federal resources to the table and strengthening regional partnerships, this legislation will help protect our water, wildlife, and communities and ensure our Great Lakes remain healthy for generations to come.