Stabenow, Peters Applaud Senate Passage of Legislation to Extend Great Lakes Protection

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow, co-chair of the U.S. Senate Great Lakes Task Force, and Gary Peters applauded the Senate passage of their bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2024. The legislation reauthorizes this critical program for another five years through fiscal year 2031.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is the most significant investment ever made to restore and protect our Great Lakes. Senator Stabenow first authored this flagship public-private program in 2010. Support for this popular initiative includes both Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate members, and stakeholders from across the region.

“The creation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is one of the most important actions of my legislative career. Since I authored the program in 2010, it has been a proven success story,” said Senator Stabenow. “This bill will ensure the stability and future of the program as we address new emerging threats to our Great Lakes and waters.”

“No single program has had a greater impact on the health of our Great Lakes than the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. From cleaning up pollution and restoring vital habitats, to protecting against the threats posed by invasive species and harmful algal blooms, GLRI has funded thousands of critical projects in Michigan and all across the Great Lakes Basin,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to once again lead this legislation with Senator Stabenow to make sure the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative can continue its vital work of keeping the Great Lakes strong and vibrant for future generations of Michiganders.”

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has focused federal and nonfederal efforts to stop the spread of carp and other invasive species, restore coastline and habitats connecting our streams and rivers, clean up environmentally damaged Areas of Concern, and prevent future contamination.

As a lifelong Michigander, Senator Stabenow understands that our Great Lakes and waterways are vital to our economy and our way of life. Throughout her career, she has made the Great Lakes a top priority. One of the first bills she passed as a Senator was a ban on oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes.

Along with the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Senator Stabenow authored the Regional Conservation Partnership Program in the Farm Bill, which transforms the health of our Great Lakes and waterways for future generations. She also secured the largest investment ever in the Great Lakes through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The impact of Senator Stabenow’s efforts to improve the health of our Great Lakes and protect Michigan waters will be felt for generations to come. There has been no greater champion for our Great Lakes, natural resources, or Michigan way of life.

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