Press Release

March 09, 2023

ELPC Disappointed President’s Budget Didn’t Request Full Authorized Amount for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

“We'll work with our partners to encourage Congress fully funds GLRI for FY2024”

Statement by Howard Learner
Executive Director, Environmental Law & Policy Center

“The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) is disappointed that President Biden’s budget did not request the full $425 million authorized amount for the successful Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). In my testimony submitted this week to the U.S. House of Representatives, Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, I discussed the ongoing challenges to the Great Lakes from fluctuating lake levels and increases in harmful algal blooms and climate change as strong reasons among many others why GLRI merits full funding of at least the authorized $425 million for FY 2024.

“As Congress begins its work on appropriations bills, ELPC will work with our partners across the region to encourage Congress to fully fund the program in FY2024.

“Protecting safe clean drinking water, healthy fisheries and enjoyable outdoor recreation in the Great Lakes has overwhelmingly strong public support and isn’t a partisan issue. GLRI provides essential funding to protect and restore the largest system of fresh surface water in the world.”