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Walberg Speaks at Great Lakes Restoration Press Conference

Date: March 7, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Environment


WALBERG SPEAKS AT GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PRESS CONFERENCE

U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) this afternoon participated in a press conference promoting The Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act of 2007, a comprehensive bill that would help stop sewage contamination, prevent invasive species introductions and restore wetlands in the Great Lakes.

The bill was introduced today by Reps. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and Vernon J. Ehlers (R-MI), and Congressman Walberg is an original co-sponsor.

Excerpts from Walberg's remarks at the press conference follow:

"I am proud to be here today as part of this broad, bi-partisan coalition that is working to implement a strategy for the restoration, protection and sustainable use of the Great Lakes. As campers, hikers, hunters and nature lovers, we Michiganders cherish the beauty of our great two peninsulas, and we understand and respect the environment whose stewardship has been entrusted to us as citizens of our state and the Great Lakes region."

"Sadly, our lakes suffer damage every day through untreated sewage, toxic pollutants and aquatic invasive species. The ecosystem surrounding the lakes is breaking down, and many in Michigan don't even realize it."

"Michiganders have a responsibility to care for the resources we have been entrusted with, and we must act now to restore the health of the Great Lakes. Every day we wait to address these problems they get worse and the solutions get more costly, which is why I support the passage of this comprehensive solution during this session of Congress."

The Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act of 2007:

- Prevents sewage contamination by assisting communities nationally with improving their wastewater infrastructure.

- Stops the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species by enacting a comprehensive national program.

- Prevents the Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes by authorizing the last line of defense against the fish—an electric barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.

- Restores fish and wildlife and their habitat.

- Cleans up contaminated sediment.

http://walberg.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=60066

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