Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are a national treasure, containing 90 percent of the freshwater in the United States. More than 35 million people live in the Great Lakes basin and depend on its natural resources for many vital needs such as drinking water, energy production, and transportation. Furthermore, the Great Lakes provide resources to support millions of jobs, especially in the fishery and boating industries. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, nearly $15 billion in recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching occur annually in the Great Lakes region.
Asian Carp
In February 2010, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing on the dangers of Asian Carp, during in which Congressman Petri voiced his concerns about this invasive species. The issue of Asian carp entry into the Great Lakes is one that has raised great fears in Wisconsin. Some predict that the carp population has the potential to disrupt the fundamental ecology of the Great Lakes, resulting in tremendous economic damage to our states, particularly our fishing industry.
In June 2010, a large bighead Asian carp was discovered in Lake Calumet, just six miles from Lake Michigan. Questions have been raised whether the fish was born in the lake or whether it was put there by humans. The fish is the only one caught so far beyond the electric barrier, although DNA evidence shows other fish appear to have made it past the barrier.
Congressman Petri signed a bicameral, bipartisan letter to President Obama urging him to immediately strengthen the barriers in the Chicago area waterway system and implement more aggressive action to stop the Asian carp from migrating into the Great Lakes. He also voted in favor of S. 1421, the Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act, which explicitly bans Asian carp from being imported or shipped to the U.S. This bill became law on December 14, 2010.
Rep. Petri has consistently supported legislation to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Many provisions are aimed at stopping the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species, as well as preventing sewage contamination.
Great Lakes Compact
As a Member of the Great Lakes Task Force, Rep. Petri is supportive of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact that became effective on December 8, 2008. It is an agreement by the eight Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces to protect the lakes from large-scale water diversions and to promote water conservation. It will protect a resource critical to Wisconsin's culture and economic development.