Questions for Rep. Tim Walberg 

What do you see as the biggest environmental problems facing Michigan? What are your top environmental concerns and priorities?

Many Michiganders are not aware of the urgent problems facing the Great Lakes we so often take for granted.

Our lakes suffer damage every day through untreated sewage, toxic pollutants and aquatic invasive species. The ecosystem surrounding the lakes is breaking down.  Every 28 weeks a new non-native species is discovered in the Great Lakes and 23 billion gallons of raw sewage has been dumped into the lakes by antiquated wastewater treatment facilities.

More than two-thirds of the wetlands that serve to cleanse water, prevent erosion and provide a home for fish and wildlife have been lost along the Great Lakes.  Populations of aquatic life, such as perch and white fish, are disappearing in areas these species formerly thrived.

I believe we must act now to address this situation, and I am part of a broad, bi-partisan coalition in Congress that is working to implement a strategy for the restoration, protection and sustainable use of the Great Lakes.

Given your leadership and commitment to Great Lakes Restoration, do you expect action on that comprehensive bill in the 110th Congress?

The Great Lakes restoration legislation I have co-sponsored and am working to pass is supported by hunters, environmentalists, scientists, industry leaders, community officials and state agencies across the Great Lakes region.

Right now, the bill has 45 co-sponsors, both Republican and Democrat, primarily from Midwestern states. I believe there is bi-partisan momentum building in Congress to bring this bill to the floor, and if it were to be debated, I believe it would pass the U.S. House of Representatives.

As you know much of Michigan's economy is dependent on our tourism industry.  Invasive species have been an on-going problem here in the Great Lakes, what is it that Congress and citizens can do to ensure that we protect our water?

Sadly, our lakes, rivers and the land surrounding our waterways suffer damage every day through untreated sewage, toxic pollutants and aquatic invasive species. In Congress, I have supported several bills that would address these problems, including a bill that specifically authorizes the construction of a permanent Asian Carp barrier. I believe Asian Carp are one of the single biggest threats facing the Great Lakes today.

Tell us a little bit about your favorite places or memories tied to Michigan's natural areas.

Many of the fondest memories my wife Sue and I have of the childhood days of our three now-adult children involve our family spending time together in the Michigan great outdoors.  As a family, we used to go camping, hiking, fishing, etc. all across the state, and so my best memories are of watching my young children enjoy Michigan and its beauty.