America Competes Reauthorization Act Of 2010

Floor Speech

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Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I am in wholehearted support of this amendment and this bill.

I just wanted to speak briefly on the previous amendment that passed en bloc, which included a provision for which I am responsible. It included the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are not just mere lakes; they are inland seas, and they contain the greatest source of freshwater on Earth. And despite their size, they are extremely vulnerable to stresses from environmental pollution, ecological alterations, and climate changes. In addition to that, they are a great source of economic development.

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There are many unanswered research questions regarding the lakes' ecological stability. But there is already significant evidence that the climate of the Great Lakes region is changing: for example, water temperatures have been higher, and the duration of winter ice cover has declined.

These changes have a serious impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem--and the goods and services linked to the Lakes. To name just a few of the myriad potential effects:

Water temperatures are already rising, and almost all of the climate change scenarios predict further changes in temperature and precipitation. Lakes are very sensitive to climate in terms of the amount of precipitation and evaporation.

Precipitation changes are causing variation in water levels; most predictions are for lower levels but some predict higher levels.

Precipitation is predicted to increase but is predicted to come in fewer and more intense effects--in effect, a higher number of more intense rainstorms--which has a big impact on runoff from the lake, soil erosion, non-point pollution, and more.

Climate change is already affecting the population and distribution of fish and many other organisms; water level and temperature changes may also accelerate the accumulation of mercury and other contaminants.

When lake levels change, costs of shipping in the Great lakes increase, as do the costs of dredging harbors and channels, and adjusting docks and other infrastructure.

Climate change disrupts Great Lakes regional agricultural productivity (largely because of changes in the distribution of rain).

There is a dire need for comprehensive research on the impact of the environment on the Great Lakes region--now, not later. Waiting to begin managing the potential effects of climate change on the lakes only increases the ultimate expense, and the potential for irreversible damages.

If we act fast, we can take action to prevent some of the most damaging effects of climate change, and we an provide immediate relief in the form of cost savings, cleaner air and water, improved recreational opportunities, safeguarded environmental habitat, and improved quality of life for communities in the Great Lakes region.

We also must safeguard Lake Michigan--and in fact, all the Great Lakes--because of the Lakes' vital role these play in the region's economy. Lake Michigan is the lifeblood of the Milwaukee regional economy.

We have to use every tool in our toolbelt to ensure Lake Michigan's ecological stability--not only for the sake of environmental protection, but for the sake of our economic security--from tourism to manufacturing to fishing to shipping.

Southeastern Wisconsin is home to over more than 120 water-related businesses and five of the largest 11 water technology companies have significant presence in the area. UWM is home to the Great Lakes Water Institute, which is the largest research center of its kind on the Great Lakes. The Water Institute represents the only major aquatic research institution located on Lake Michigan and the largest U.S. institution of its kind in the Great Lakes region.

According to the EPA, today, there are approximately 37 million people living in the Great Lakes basin and more than 26 million of these people rely on the Great Lakes for their drinking water.

Shipping has been responsible for the development of the entire Great a Lakes Region.

Many manufacturing industries are attracted to the Great Lakes area because of the advantages of being near a water source which provides inexpensive electricity and convenient transportation routes.

The Journal Sentinel reports that there are 44,000 jobs directly tied to Great Lakes shipping, and nearly 200,000 jobs in the mining and steel industries that depend on the lakes' cargo.

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