Growing up, I remember seeing firsthand the devastating effect that pollution had on the water quality of Lake Erie. One time, we went as a family to the lake and it had turned orange! The Great Lakes are one of the greatest treasures of this region and over the past few years, we’ve made significant progress in our efforts to clean up Lake Erie.
But now President Trump is ready to turn back time again.
In his proposed budget, funding for the Great Lakes Restorative Initiative (GLRI) is eliminated entirely. And the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Sea Grant program -- which researches algal blooms, invasive species like the zebra mussels and Asian carp, and other issues plaguing Lake Erie -- would be terminated.
All of our hard-earned progress could be reversed in just a few years if Trump gets his way.
This isn’t just about being able to go swimming in the lake without those awful algae blooms. The Trump administration’s actions could even jeopardize the drinking water for thousands of families in Toledo and across the state of Ohio. That’s unacceptable.
A recent study found that the GLRI’s work generates more than $80 billion in health, tourism, fishing, and recreation benefits. Instead of creating jobs and economic opportunity, this proposal from President Trump will cost Ohio jobs and recklessly put our health at risk.
Thanks,
Connie