Rep. Schneider's Measures to Protect Great Lakes, Increase Infrastructure Efficiency Signed Into Law

Press Release

U.S. President Barack Obama signed into law today the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), which includes two measures offered by U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10).

"The Great Lakes are an essential part of our community and local economy," Schneider said. "Expediting critical infrastructure projects, like dredging for our harbors, and preventing the harmful influx of invasive species are key to preserving our Great Lakes."

The first amendment requires greater reporting and recommendations to Congress to help reduce the Army Corps of Engineers' infrastructure project backlog, allowing them it to move forward with planning on construction on pending projects.

The second measure, offered with Reps. Betty McCollum (MN-04), Mike Kelly (PA-03) and Dan Lipinski (IL-03), strengthens protections for the Great Lakes against invasive species by developing a coordinated national strategy to slow the spread of Asian carp. The House approved two amendments Schneider offered to WRRDA last year.

Schneider is a champion for protecting the Great Lakes and recently hosted a roundtable discussion with environmental leaders to discuss ways to protect Great Lakes. Schneider also spoke out against proposed cuts to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and offered a measure that would safeguard the Great Lakes from oil and gas drilling.

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