Representatives Tim Ryan, Tim Walberg Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Great Lakes, Promote Conservation

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Tim Walberg (R-MI) reintroduced the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act in a continued effort to preserve the long-term health of the Great Lakes. This bipartisan legislation would ensure Great Lakes states that administer voluntary assurance programs have access to federal resources to better mitigate agricultural pollution risks, like harmful algae blooms on Lake Erie. These programs, including Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), support farmers in their work to implement conservation best practices and reduce hazards, such as runoff and erosion.

"The Great Lakes are our region's most precious resource, and we must do everything in our power to safeguard their health and well-being. Lake Erie alone supports thousands of full-time jobs and provides clean drinking water to approximately 3 million Ohioans," said Ryan. "By encouraging conservation efforts that reduce harmful agriculture run-off, this important legislation supports our farmers and protects our Great Lakes for generations to come."

"We continue to be encouraged by the positive impact generated from MAEAP, which recently marked its 6,000th farm verification. With such widespread adoption here in Michigan, it only makes sense to expand this successful pattern to neighboring states to improve the stewardship of our land and water. Our bipartisan legislation takes important steps to encourage greater conservation and safeguard the Great Lakes for all who rely on them," said Walberg.

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