Current Events

Michigan Columnist Calls on Voters to Highlight Great Lakes in 2008 Election

Syndicated columnist George Weeks this week highlighted the importance of Michigan to demand more from the 2008 presidential candidates. He writes: the key thing is for Michigan voters to stress the issue as candidates campaign here. He also mentions Michigan’s efforts to move forward on Great Lakes restoration, as well as the Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives Boat Tour as important ways to get the candidates’ attention this summer. Click here to contact the presidential candidates about the Great Lakes.

Threat Level: Code Red, Severe Risk of Terrorist Attack

Tomorrow the St. Lawrence Seaway will open up for the new season and with it a dangerous threat - Russian born terrorists are poised to take advantage of the event to attack the United States under the watch of President Bush. Where is homeland security when you need it?

The terrorists in question are, of course, aquatic invasive species. The opening of the seaway marks the 20th anniversary of the discovery of the non-native mussel.

The pint-sized terrorists that hale from the Caspian Sea and stow away in the stabilizing ballast water of transatlantic ships first invaded our freshwater shores in the Read More » »

Great Lakes, a National Resource, Is Victim of National Neglect

Statement by Jeff Skelding, National Campaign Director, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition
on New Report by Great Lakes Commission and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 27) – “This report underscores that the Great Lakes – a national resource – is the victim of national neglect.

“Despite the recognized importance of the Great Lakes as an economic engine and environmental masterpiece for the nation, the lakes have had to rely primarily on local governments to fight pollution and generally stay healthy.

“This report sends a clear message to lawmakers in Washington, D.C.: Stop short-changing the Great Lakes. 

“The longer Read More » »

Great Lakes, a National Resource, Is Victim of National Neglect

Statement by Jeff Skelding, National Campaign Director, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition
on New Report by Great Lakes Commission and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 27) – “This report underscores that the Great Lakes – a national resource – is the victim of national neglect.

“Despite the recognized importance of the Great Lakes as an economic engine and environmental masterpiece for the nation, the lakes have had to rely primarily on local governments to fight pollution and generally stay healthy.

“This report sends a clear message to lawmakers in Washington, D.C.: Stop short-changing the Great Lakes. 

“The longer Read More » »

Surprise, Surprise, Cities Outspend Feds On Great Lakes Issues

Great Lakes mayors and state officials joined forces in Washington today touting a report that estimates cities, towns and villages are ponying up $15 billion to protect the lakes and keep them clean. Great Lakes residents were disillusioned to say the least when Bush revealed his Budget plan. The President sliced funding for the Great Lakes and scalped local governments efforts to update waste water treatment compounding the shortages for which they will have to make up. But there is still time for Congress to recognize the neglect and authorize spending increases to support ailing sewage systems and conservations plans.

The Read More » »

Love Canal Move Over: U.S. Government Hides “Alarming” Report on Health Risks In Great Lakes Region

Where is Erin Brokovich when you need her? Thank goodness the fourth estate still exists and has exposed a government issued report that reveals higher infant mortality and cancer rates in areas located around the Great Lakes.

The Center for Public Integrity, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit, is reporting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention buried the 400-page report for the last seven months because of its findings, which are eye-opening: More than 9 million people who live near polluted harbors and waterways–so-called “areas of concern”–including residents of Chicago, Read More » »

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 Read More » »

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 Read More » »

Signup for Great Lakes Day 2008

Washington, DC, February 27-28, 2008

Registration / Scholarship applications due February 1st

As part of the annual Great Lakes Day in Washington, D.C., the Healing Our Waters® (HOW) -Great Lakes Coalition helps to bring coalition members and allies from the Great Lakes states to Washington to discuss the importance of restoring and protecting the Great Lakes with elected officials on Capitol Hill. Learn more and register here:

http://www.healthylakes.org/great-lakes-day-2008-event-registration

Governor Doyle: Great Lakes Need To Be A Priority For Congress and The President

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has been credited with putting the green back into Wisconsin policies, and it appears he is trying to share the enthusiasm across the Great Lakes region. As Chair of the Council of Great Lakes Governors, Doyle, a Democrat, held a press conference recently and launched the first pitch for aggressive action to save the Great Lakes and asked presidential hopefuls to outline their vision for the Great Lakes. Now, he has taken time to share with HOW his thoughts on why the Great Lakes are so vital to the region and the nation, why national Read More » »