House passes bipartisan Kildee legislation to increase investment in the Great Lakes

Statement

Great Lakes Restorative Initiative Congressional Authorization to Protect Great Lakes Increased $475 Million

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today applauded the passage of H.R. 4031, the Great Lakes Restorative Initiative Act in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 373-45. This bipartisan legislation expands the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) authorization from $300 million annually to $475 million by 2024. This bill, supported by Republicans and Democrats, builds on continued efforts by Congressman Kildee to protect the Great Lakes from harmful algal blooms, combat invasive species like Asian carp and restore wetlands.

Congressman Kildee represents 118 miles of Lake Huron shoreline, and today's vote is a part of his continued efforts to protect and expand the GLRI. Since his first term, Congressman Kildee has fought to fully fund the GLRI, and spoke out against attempts by both the Trump and Obama administrations attempts to cut GLRI funding. In addition, last year, Congressman Kildee led a letter to the Appropriations Committee asking for increased funding for the GLRI. As a result of his efforts, there was $320 million appropriated to the GLRI, an increase of $20 million. Congress must both authorize (agree to spend) and appropriate (set aside money) spending levels for the GLRI program.

"In Michigan, the Great Lakes are a critical part of our economy, environment and way of life. We must protect the Great Lakes from harm. We are seeing increasing threats to the Great Lakes from climate change, invasive species and harmful chemicals like PFAS," said Congressman Kildee. "I am proud to see Democrats and Republicans come together to pass legislation to increase our investment in protecting the Great Lakes through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. I will continue working with my colleagues in Michigan's congressional delegation and Congress to fund this vital program."

Since coming to Congress, Kildee has fought to protect our Great Lakes, including opposing cuts to the GLRI and opposing a proposed Canadian nuclear waste storage facility that would have been located less than one mile from Lake Huron in Kincardine, Ontario. This past weekend, Ontario Power Generation announced that it would abandon plans to build this permanent nuclear waste storage and seek an alternative location.

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