Ehlers’ bill puts cleanup efforts on track to be completed in a decade

WASHINGTON – Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers praised the passage today of the Great Lakes Legacy Reauthorization Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, which was approved by a vote of 371 to 20. The Great Lakes Legacy Act is considered one the most effective federal water cleanup projects ever. Congressman Ehlers introduced the bill with Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James L. Oberstar (D-MN) in July.

      “I am pleased that the House acted so quickly on this important bill. The Great Lakes are our region’s most valuable natural asset, and toxic sediment that is feeding into the lakes could cause irreparable harm,” said Congressman Ehlers. “This bill creates a roadmap for funding that will ensure the polluted areas of concern that have been identified around the Great Lakes are cleaned up within the next ten years. Our goal of cleaning up these toxic sites is within reach, and we owe it to future generations to act now on cleaning them up.”

      The renewal bill authorizes Congress to direct up to $150 million per year for the next five years to the Environmental Protection Agency to continue the Legacy Act cleanup program. The authorization was increased from $50 million per year in the previous bill because of the potentially high cost of cleaning up contaminated sediment once it is spread through the lakes. The new funding authorization would put the program on track to clean up every area of concern within ten years.

      The bill must now be passed by the Senate before being sent to President Bush for approval.

Previously:

• House Committee Passes Great Lakes Legacy Act Renewal – July 31, 2008
• Ehlers, Oberstar Introduce Great Lakes Legacy Act Renewal – July 10, 2008