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Elected Officials React to New Economic Report
Here’s what political leaders around the region are saying about the release of the new Brookings Institution report detailing how restoration of the Great Lakes can boost the region’s economy:
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, chairman of the Council of Great Lakes Governors
“The report makes it clear that restoring the health of the Great Lakes is a compelling economic development strategy for Wisconsin and all the Great Lakes states. As the first state to develop its own restoration plan, Wisconsin has long recognized the importance of this effort and will continue to work with other states and the federal government to achieve our shared vision for the Great Lakes.”
Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
“This report demonstrates that restoring the Great Lakes makes good economic sense for Michigan and the other Great Lakes states,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “We need the federal government to be a strong partner to local communities and the states to restore the Great Lakes for the millions of people who rely on them for their jobs, health, and quality of life.”
U.S. Congressman Mark Steven Kirk (R-IL), co-chair of Great Lakes Task Force
“The Brookings Institution confirmed what we have known for years – that clean Great Lakes are not only vital to the environmental health of our nation, but also are powerful economic engines for the region. We can more than double our investment in Great Lakes restoration efforts through increased property values, tourism, fishing and many other commercial pursuits. Clean water is not just about clean beaches – it’s about the economic health of the Midwest.”
U.S. Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), co-chair of Great Lakes Task Force
“The Brookings report highlights the fact that restoring the Great Lakes is about more than improving the environment. It is about making a commitment to economic growth for the Great Lakes region and the nation as whole,” said Rep. Slaughter. “We already know about the environmental benefits of protecting this amazing resource, and with increased federal investment in clean-up activities, we can help spur economic development and improve the quality of life in Great Lakes communities.”
U.S. Congressman Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), co-chair of Great Lakes Task Force
“Those of us working on Great Lakes restoration have always known that there is a huge economic benefit to protecting beaches, preserving habitat, and cleaning up polluted areas,” said Rep. Ehlers. “Now we have firm data to support that claim. I will make sure that my colleagues in Congress know about this report, to further educate and persuade them that we cannot wait any longer to undertake the initiatives laid out in the Regional Collaboration Strategy and to provide the necessary resources to get it done.”
U.S. Senator Voinovich (R-OH), co-chair of the Great Lakes Task Force
“Great Lakes protection and restoration affects all Americans and, if not successful, may have negative effects for generations to come,” said Sen. Voinovich. “I believe that a federal, state and local investment is absolutely necessary to saving one of our nation’s greatest natural resources. That is why I have sponsored legislation that authorizes this critical investment. We have to make the Second Battle of Lake Erie our top priority.”
U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), co-chair of the Great Lakes Task Force
“The Great Lakes are a unique American treasure, but we must recognize that we are only their temporary stewards,” Sen. Levin said. “Congress must act to keep pace with the needs of the lakes and provide the funds necessary to protect and restore them. The benefits will pay off now as well as for future generations.”
U.S. Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL)
“Thanks to the hard work of citizens, environmentalists, and elected officials, the health of the Great Lakes is improving, but there is still more to do. Increased pollution and industrial runoff endangers the Lake’s ecological web and threatens the beauty of our shores every single day,” said Emanuel. “This report underscores the need for action and shows that passing the Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act will not only be a step in the right direction towards restoring the Great Lakes but will also be an economic boon to Chicago and the entire Great Lakes region.”
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