For Immediate Release
February 7, 2024
Contact:
Emily Bacha, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, ebacha@theoec.org
COLUMBUS — Today, lawmakers introduced new bipartisan federal legislation to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) for five more fiscal years, from 2027 through 2031. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024 will invest up to $500 million annually to restore and protect the Great Lakes — as well as the streams, rivers and wetlands that feed them — by restoring habitat, cleaning up toxic pollution, reducing urban and farm runoff, and managing invasive species.
The bill was introduced today in the Senate by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and J.D. Vance (R-OH) and in the House by U.S. Representatives David Joyce (R-OH), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). The legislation was also co-sponsored by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Representative Max Miller (R-OH) and many others across the Great Lakes region.
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Melanie Houston, Managing Director of Water Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund:
“Every Ohioan who swims, fishes or relies on Lake Erie’s health for their business benefits from the much-needed funding authorized by the GLRI Act of 2024. The bill is a crucial investment in the public water systems that use Lake Erie to supply 3 million Ohioans with drinking water, further supporting the health of Ohioans while bolstering the local economy. We thank Ohio’s Senators J.D. Vance and Sherrod Brown as well as U.S. Representatives David Joyce, Marcy Kaptur and Max Miller for their leadership in sponsoring this legislation. Their support of the GLRI will help revitalize Lake Erie while empowering local communities that rely on it for their drinking water and economic viability.
“While Ohio’s great Lake Erie faces serious issues we still need to solve — from aging water infrastructure, invasive species, increased flooding and toxic pollutants — this legislation will provide critical funding to address these issues and secure a clean Lake Erie for all Ohioans.”
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Alicia Smith, Executive Director, Junction Coalition:
“Reauthorization of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been an essential program for the communities that Junction Coalition serves in Toledo. The issues our community continues to face on Lake Erie’s shores — harmful algal blooms, beach closures and invasive species, to name a few — hurt communities and endanger public health. The GLRI Act of 2024 will provide strategic funding for another half-decade to clean up Areas of Concern (AOCs), address emerging contaminants, reduce phosphorus runoff and tackle invasive species. We thank our Ohio congressional delegation for their strong leadership and we look forward to working with them to pass this bipartisan bill.”
###
The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and the health of all Ohio communities. We will continue to fight for Ohio’s access to clean water, healthy air, vibrant public lands and a strong democracy.