September 30, 2026
The U.S. Senate reauthorized of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) by unanimous consent. There is strong bipartisan support for this successful program with projects that protect and restore the Great Lakes.
STATEMENT BY HOWARD A. LEARNER, CEO & PRESIDENT ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY CENTER
“The Senate’s bipartisan vote to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative underscores what Great Lakes residents have long known: protecting our lakes is a common-sense investment in our economy, environment, public health, and way of life. Communities across the region depend on clean water, thriving fisheries, healthy beaches, and strong ecosystems.”
The Great Lakes provide drinking water for 42 million people and support a $62 billion economy based on fishing, boating, tourism, and outdoor recreation. For more than 15 years, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has delivered proven results by cleaning up toxic pollution, restoring habitat, reducing runoff, and addressing invasive species threats across the region.
Reauthorizing GLRI through 2030 with increased funding will help tackle harmful algal blooms, accelerate cleanup of legacy pollution, restore wetlands, strengthen coastal resilience, and combat invasive carp and other invasive species. These challenges are growing, and continued federal leadership is essential.
We urge the House to move expeditiously and pass the Senate’s bipartisan GLRI reauthorization bill without changes. The Great Lakes cannot afford delays. Leaders from both parties have consistently supported this successful program because its benefits are clear, measurable, and felt in every Great Lakes state. We look forward to the House sending the Senate bill to the President’s desk as quickly as possible.”