Great Lakes State Legislators Call on Presidential Candidates to Ban Water Diversions and Restore the Great Lakes

The chorus is growing.

Today, state legislators from Super Tuesday states joined the region’s mayors, governors and U.S. Congressmen in urging Presidential candidates to restore the Great Lakes.

You can listen to an audio recording of today’s press event here

You can read the sample letter sent by the state legislators here.

You can read the press release here.

As the presidential race heats up, let’s see which candidates embrace the Great Lakes in their platform so that, hopefully, the next President will continue the momentum that has building in the region to protect and restore the largest surface freshwater source in the world.

(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Priorities: Something to Think About, President Bush

It really wasn’t surprising that President George Bush did not mention restoring the Great Lakes during his last State of the Union. It would have been truly shocking had he. But I held out hope. I mean George Bush is the guy who starting this collaboration among city, state, tribal, congressional and environmental gurus to protect the Great Lakes.

It is likely the President didn’t expect us to come back to him with such a pricey package of legislation – even for jaded Washington appropriators - $20 billion is a big deal. And Bush has witnessed smaller pieces of our overall strategy into law (although not always without a struggle) such as the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Act and the much needed carp barrier (which required a Congressional over-ride of the President’s veto). Still, I don’t expect Bush’s 2008 budget to include the needed billions to fix the lakes and jump start the ol’ Rust Belt’s economic engine. Past budgets have not been good to the Great Lakes. And, if this budget was any different, we would have heard about it - budget priorities are a sure bet to make their way into the State of the Union.

Speaking of which, the war in Iraq was a central topic as it has been for the past six years, and that surely will remain a budget priority. Whether or not you see the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as right or wrong, the plain truth is that we are spending $10 billion a month in Iraq and another $2 billion in Afghanistan, according to news reports quoting New York Congressman Charles Schumer. Last fall, Congress approved bridge funding to the tune of $50 billion to get us through March of this year.

Now, I’m sure you see where I’m going with this – it is all about priorities. For what it costs us to be at war for two months in Iraq and three months in Afghanistan we could fully restore the Great Lakes, provide hundreds of thousands of jobs, raise property values, and revive the economy of the entire region.

News reports figure the fiscal cost of the war for each American family of four is up to $20,200 and rising. Using the same logic, if every American were to contribute $86.66 over one year – less than a quarter a day - restoration would be fully funded. That sure lends some perspective doesn’t it? It takes the daunting out of the billions and makes me wonder why restoration hasn’t already happened. George Bush started this. He can finish it. In the years to come, as fresh water becomes something that wars are fought over, Bush would go down in history as a perceptive, prescient leader – one whose effort to restore the Great Lakes and revive the regional economy would be a part of his legacy.

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Are We Ready For The Water Wars?

Below the surface of Wednesday’s hearing on water quality in the Great Lakes, was an undercurrent easily perceived by those who follow the issue, but otherwise submerged shying from its emotive nature – water diversion. The idea that other states and countries lustily thirst for our fresh water isn’t lost on any member of the U.S. House panel.

Erie predictions of future water wars emerged with World Bank citations such as: 3 billion of the world’s people will be suffering a water shortage by 2025. The Great Lakes constitute 95 percent of the US fresh water and are a source of nearly a quarter of the world’s fresh water– it is no wonder they are drawing attention.

“The wars of the 21st century will be fought over water, not oil,” said Indiana Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-Ind.). His statement was fully appreciated by the subcommittee. Just moments before, Wisconsin’s Kagan passionately emphasized, “We have to guarantee that the water in the Great Lakes remain in the watershed of the Great Lakes.”

Panelists also included U.S. Reps. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and Bart Stupak (D-Mich.).

How long will it take the rest of the Congress to realize that restoring and protecting the Great Lakes is actually an issue of national security? Hopefully, they will not wait until the Chinese are requesting repayment for their funding of the Iraq war in buckets instead of dollars.

(1 votes, average: 3 out of 5)

 Loading ...

I Pledge Allegiance to the Great Lakes

We finally have confirmation on who among the Presidential Candidates has and who has not signed the Great Lakes Congressional Delegation’s pledge to use the highest office in the land to restore the Great Lakes.

Drum roll please…….among the top Democrats running for President: Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama have signed the pledge. John Edwards has released a statement in support.

Among the top Republicans running for President: John McCain is the sole signatory (perhaps being from the dessert makes you recognize the significance of water). Mitt Romney, while fighting to win Michigan’s primary promised to support Great Lakes restoration but stopped short of signing the pledge.

Reps. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.) and Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) issued the bi-partisan pledge to the candidates for President late last year. By signing, candidates promise to use the office of the President to shepherd restoration through the congress and fully fund it too.

It is a wise political decision for these candidates to make this agreement as it will help them garner votes in the eight Great Lakes states which control 141 electoral votes and maintain several important swing states. The entire region’s economy has been hit hard by the rise of the globalization and the fall of traditional manufacturing jobs, however, leading economists have released a report showing that by investing in restoration jobs will be created, new industry generated and property values revitalized. The future of the Great Lakes region is looking hopeful if one of the pledges signatories gains office.

(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Eight Is Enough

Indiana’s Senate has discovered a good way to ensure that the Great Lakes don’t lose precious water to Southern and Western states – and that they remain ecologically and economically sound by passing the regional Compact.

If Indiana’s House shows similar support – the Senate passed it unanimously – then it will become the third state to agree to regulate, conserve and protect the five lakes. Minnesota and Illinois have signed the compact. There are rumblings in New York supporting it too, according to recent news stories that have appeared in the Buffalo News and the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Governor Elliot Spitzer raised the issue during his state-of-upstate speech as well.

“In recent years, many New Yorkers near the Great Lakes have been troubled to hear that water levels have been dropping. This poses a threat to shipping, to our fisheries, and to our ecosystems—in other words, to the economy and quality of life in Great Lakes communities. That’s why, today, I call upon the Legislature to pass the Great Lakes Compact, so we can join a multi-state effort to regulate water levels and maintain a strong, sustainable Great Lakes ecosystem and economy,” Gov. Spitzer said.

So, it appears Albany is moving toward approval. That leaves Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Once the states agree, Congress then has to give its seal of approval.

While we continue to strive to get a federal commitment to the restoration package, it still behooves the states to empower themselves to protect the lakes themselves. Last Fall’s ballast bill brouhaha is a good example of what can happen if the states don’t pass the compact soon – if that bill were to pass as is then states would lose the right to control ballast issues in their own waterways. States need to act now to protect their own interests in Washington. Remember, to date, only Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain has signed our Great Lakes pledge for sure – even if we get everyone of the hopefuls on board, the states will be in a better position for future negotiations if they have the compact to stand upon.

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Halting Invasive Species Requires More than New Rule by U.S. Seaway Corporation

The U.S. Seaway Development Corporation today proposed new ballast water regulations to curb the influx of invasive species. Here’s our take on the matter:

Seaway Proposal Helpful, But No Substitute for Comprehensive Solution to Aquatic Invasive Species

Statement by Jeff Skelding, National Campaign Director
Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 16)—”The proposed rule is a helpful interim measure, but is no substitute for what’s most needed now: a comprehensive solution to aquatic invasive species transported in ballast water. Until Congress addresses the issue head-on, the problem will continue to get worse and cost more money.”

“Salt-water flushing will reduce, but not completely eliminate, the problem of aquatic invasive species because of the wide range of salinity tolerances in living organisms. In addition, unless conducted properly, saltwater flushing will not be effective against organisms found in the sediment and sludge of ocean-going vessels. Among other things, ballast tanks must be regularly and thoroughly cleaned to remove all sediment, and sufficient quantities of ocean water must be used when flushing.”

“To protect our economy, native fishery and quality of life, we need a long-term solution that requires treatment of ballast water and requires ocean-going vessels to install the best available technology as soon as possible.”

“That is why we are looking to improve and pass legislation in the U.S. Congress to shut the door on aquatic invasive species.”

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

In Michigan, “It’s the Economy, Stupid” All Over Again

Is it surprising that people in Michigan would like to work again? Of course not, that is why it isn’t surprising that Mitt Romney handily won yesterday’s primary. As primary season turns to election season, Romney’s advisors promise to continue to focus on the economy as a prime concern to keep momentum going for their candidate. If that is the case, then the Brookings report detailing how restoration would not only save the lakes but recharge the Great Lake states economic engine is a must read.

A troubled auto industry and national high unemployment rate (7.4%) were the concerns in Michigan voters’ minds and became the issue that dominated the republican race for the White House. While Romney’s message resonated with the voters and perhaps evoked a bit of nostalgia for the glory days of the auto industry when Mitt’s father was governor of the state, McCain made the grave error of speaking the truth – those jobs probably aren’t coming back – ever.

Exit polling showed that of those questioned, 55 percent said the economy was their number one concern and the majority of those votes, 42 percent, were cast for Romney. Interestingly, the same percentage – 42 – of Republican voters said that Romney’s family ties to the state persuaded them to vote for him. That tells us that the economy is clearly the most important issue to Michiganders and we will most likely see that it is an issue of similar significance in the seven other Great Lakes states.

That is why it is critical for the candidates embrace Great Lakes restoration. And McCain is right - many jobs that have left the state may not come back; but new innovative industries will enter the market place, fueled by restoration. In addition, industries that formerly left the region for the warmth of the South and West may begin to flock back to their old stomping grounds to take part in the revival. Businesses locate where the quality of life is better and the Great Lakes region offers not only usable water but also water views from the office or living room. Oh, and lets not forget all the top universities producing reems of R&D annually.

Romney did not win Michigan because of his recent support for the comprehesive restoration of the Great Lakes–but we’re willing to wager that his endorsement of the federal clean-up plan played a role. In fact, if the exit polls had asked voters where they rate the lakes, we have every reason to believe that stopping invasive species and sewage contamination would rate very high. This is, after all, the Great Lakes State.

Those in the know realize that the economy is intrisically tied to the Great Lakes. Romney’s efforts over the weekend to deliver his support for restoration and protections against water diversion surely made a big difference for him. That is why it puzzles us to read his comments made during his victory speech:

“This is the beginning of a comeback for America. Only a week ago, a win looked like it was impossible, but then you got out and told America (read Michigan) what [it] wanted to hear,” all according to Romney, except the (read Michigan) editorial.

Romney has a documented history of changing positions to suit his audience. While we hope he was sincere when he spoke of supporting the Great Lakes, it would lay our fears to rest if Romney would sign the pledge – a document that promises to do exactly what he said he intended to do, but then stopped short of committing his name to paper. Meanwhile, we have read that McCain did sign the pledge and is on the record promising not to divert Great Lakes water to the South, West or any other state. In addition, McCain was willing to tell the truth in Michigan, even if it meant losing his bid for the White House with that state’s Republicans.

Until Romney signs the pledge, McCain stands as the only Republican candidate who has thus far matched his rhetoric with his actions when it comes to restoring the Great Lakes.

To see a breakdown of the results in Michigan by district, click here.

(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Touché

The word is in, at least from the Mitt Romney camp - he recognizes the Great Lakes as a national treasure, but he stops short of signing the Congressional pledge for restoration. However, word on the street is that John McCain has signed the pledge. We are in the process of trying to verify this information with his campaign.

These new developments come as both candidates are pulling out all the stops to win the hearts and minds of Michigan’s Republican voters before tomorrow’s primary vote. Newspaper editorials over the past week have pleaded with the candidates to promise support for restoration. The Battle Creek Inquirer argued that support could win candidates more than Michigan – it may sway the other seven Great Lakes states as they approach Election Day – a treasure trove of 141 electoral votes that as in the past could help determine a close race.

Mitt Romney is the only candidate said to have responded to the Detroit Free Press questionnaire on the Great Lakes. National media, including the New York Times political blog, are beginning to take notice.

Romney was also forthcoming with HealthyLakes on Friday morning, telling us:

“The Great Lakes are one of our country’s national treasures. Great Lakes restoration and sustainability is important for economic development and job creation in the region. We need to be sure that the water is safe for drinking, beaches are safe for swimming, and that fish are safe for eating. We must be responsible stewards of the environment to ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit the same quality of life that we enjoy today. Our approach to being good stewards of the environment should combine new technology and implementation of common sense policies. Ideas such as this will ensure that we protect our land, air and water, while not inhibiting economic growth.”

By Friday night, Romney told a crowd that he supports the Great Lakes restoration bill that is languishing in Congress. He supports funding it and has said that although he would want to see the final bill before ultimately committing to sign it, he said he is inclined to do so. Romney took the issue one step further arguing that Great Lakes states ought to have the authority to manage the water without federal interference. So, no diversion or big national water policy that leaves the lakes low and dry.

Hooray, finally someone talking some sense! It’s now time for Romney to step up to the plate and make sure his actions match his rhetoric. Translation: sign the pledge put forward by U.S. Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.) and three other members of Congress and commit to making restoration funding a top priority of your administration. Your main rival in Michigan, U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), already has. The clock is ticking!

Memo to other Republican and Democratic candidates: You’re not off the hook. Support the restoration of the Great Lakes. Side with the region’s mayors, governors, Congressional delegation, industry and conservation community. The issue is a no-brainer. I mean, who isn’t for the Great Lakes?

(2 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5)

 Loading ...

On Guard

The battle for the White House has been launched today on the shores of Lakes Michigan and Huron – literally. As John McCain and Mitt Romney duke it out to win the republican hearts of Michigan–the Great Lakes state–an op-ed has appeared in the Detroit Free Press that makes wishful Mitt Romney sound like the Great Lakes candidate of the century.

The only trouble is it is unclear that Romney has committed to a single thing mentioned in the opinion piece.

To date, only two candidates have signed a pledge to restore the Great Lakes being circulated by Reps. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.) and Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) and those are both in the Democratic camp: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

So, the question is: Will either Romney or McCain seek to win more votes in Michigan by solidly backing the goals and agenda set forth by the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy?

Although the question is straight forward the answer is not. Romney is featuring the Detroit Free Press op-ed on his homepage. However, he has yet to offer any comments to justify the piece: His campaign Web site fails to discuss any substanitve Great Lakes policy initiative, and for that matter, the site fails to even list the environment under the”Issues” section.

Romney can’t have it both ways – we want to hear it from the candidate himself. We are following up with his staff as well as McCain’s staff to get a clear picture of their intentions so Michigan voters are well armed when you vote at the primary.

(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Congresswoman Slaughter Receives Great Laker Award

Members of the Healing Our Waters - Great Lakes Coalition from New York State presented Congresswoman Louise Slaughter with the 2007 Great Laker Award on January 8, in her Rochester district office. HOW member organizations present included Audubon New York, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Environmental Advocates of New York, and Great Lakes United.

Representative Slaughter was honored with the prestigious Great Laker Award recognizing her tireless leadership in Congress to advance Great Lakes protection and restoration. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force and Chair of the Rules Committee, Representative Slaughter used her power and influence to advance important Great Lakes protections in 2007. Congresswoman Slaughter played a critical role in enacting legislation to complete the electronic barrier to keep Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes. She also worked to strengthen ballast water legislation, and cosponsors important legislation to restore and protect the Great Lakes for current and future generations.

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...