Issue Position: Great Lakes Issues

Issue Position

Residents of the 2nd District have long understood the importance of the Great Lakes and the impact fresh water has on the economic and physical health of their community. West Michigan should be proud of the work it has already accomplished -- and understand the urgency of the work that still needs to be done.

As we move forward in restoring and protecting the Great Lakes and its tributaries, we must concentrate on providing communities with the necessary resources for solving the problems in a way that sets priorities, permits flexibility and focuses on stewardship and maintaining public access. We must take responsibility and show accountability for protecting the Great Lakes for generations to come.

Invasive Species and Asian Carp

The introduction of non-native species to the Great Lakes is currently one of the greatest economic and environmental threats to the region. In building a better defense for the Great Lakes against new invasive species, we must vigorously employ the most effective tools available, while anticipating improved techniques derived from additional research and application.

Today, we remain particularly vulnerable to the migration of Asian carp, which are nonindigenous, invasive species that have the potential to severely impact the Great Lakes ecosystem and economy.

When it comes to combating Asian carp, there is no single arrow in the quiver and we must develop a comprehensive strategy for both the short and long term. In the short term, closure of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal must be pursued and alternative-shipping methods must be undertaken to result in the most effective separation. In the long term, permanent ecological separation of the Mississippi River Basin from the Great Lakes must be our ultimate goal. I look forward to working with my Great Lakes colleagues in a bipartisan manner to ensure the preservation of this invaluable ecosystem.

Water Diversion

With the enactment of the Great Lakes Compact in 2008, new or increased water withdrawals from the Great Lakes basin are fully managed and regulated by the states. Specifically, the Compact is an agreement between the eight Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces that prohibits new or increased withdrawals from the Lakes unless strict conservation conditions are met.

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