Walberg, Miller Introduce Legislation to Protect Great Lakes from Harmful Algae Blooms

Press Release

Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) and Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) today introduced the Great Lakes Assurance Program Verification Act. They were joined by officials from the Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at a press conference in Monroe County to announce the bill's introduction.

This legislation builds off the success of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and encourages states throughout the Great Lakes Basin to develop voluntary agricultural assurance programs to promote conservation and minimize agricultural pollution risks, like we've seen with the toxic algae bloom on Lake Erie.

"I'm proud to work with Rep. Miller to encourage neighboring states to follow the example of Michigan farmers and adopt better conservation practices," said Rep. Walberg. "Responsible stewardship of our land and Great Lakes will help ensure the health of our economy and environment today and for generations to come."

"Today, Rep. Walberg and I introduced the Great Lakes Assurance Program Verification Act, legislation that helps Great Lakes states establish voluntary programs that aid farmers in adopting better conservation practices, like the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assistance Program (MAEAP)," Rep. Miller said. "Michigan farmers have voluntarily taken the lead in conservation efforts, reducing soil erosion and nutrient runoff. With the help of MAEAP, their efforts have helped reduce algae blooms in the Great Lakes like the one we saw last year on Lake Erie that forced officials in Toledo to cut off the drinking water supply to nearby communities. Expanding this program to all of the Great Lakes states will further protect our Lakes and all of those who rely on them."

"Michigan Farm Bureau supports the legislation and your effort to establish an environmental assurance program for each state within the Great Lakes basin," wrote Carl Bednarski, President of the Michigan Farm Bureau, in a letter of support. "Michigan farmers care deeply about the natural resources they work with every day. Conservation programs have been implemented in your districts and across the state with a focus on water and soil quality. From filter strips to improving manure storage structures to utilizing technology when spraying, Michigan farmers are always improving conservation practice."

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