Statement of Christy Leavitt, Environment Michigan Federal Clean Water Advocate
“Environment Michigan applauds Representatives Ehlers (Mich.) and Oberstar (Minn.), Senators Levin (Mich.) and Voinovich (Ohio) and the U.S. Congress for passing bipartisan legislation to clean up toxic contamination in the Great Lakes. The House voted (411-9) today for the Great Lakes Legacy Reauthorization Act (H.R. 6460), which authorizes $54 million a year for two years to clean up toxic pollution in the lakes. The Senate passed the legislation on Thursday.
“While additional funding is needed, the reauthorization of the Great Lakes Legacy Act is an important step toward cleaning up toxic pollution in the Great Lakes.
“Accounting for 20 percent of the fresh water on Earth, the Great Lakes are threatened by a legacy of toxic pollution. Chemicals, including PCBs, mercury and other heavy metals, contaminate rivers and harbors that feed the lakes, threatening public health and the environment.
“Since its original passage in 2002, the Great Lakes Legacy Act has made important progress in the removal of toxic sediment, but significant work remains. Tens of millions of cubic yards of contaminated sediment still need to be removed from rivers and harbors.
“This is the second action Congress has taken to restore and protect the Great Lakes in a week. On Tuesday, the House approved the Great Lakes Compact to ensure more sustainable use of Great Lakes water.”
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