May 22, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2017
Contact: Judith Nemes
Trump Administration’s Misguided EPA Budget Eliminates Great Lakes Restoration Funding
Slashing funding of Great Lakes Program that has bipartisan support to zero could imperil planet’s largest freshwater supply and drinking water for 42 million people, endanger aquatic ecosystems, and risk harming $7 billion annual fishing industry
Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center, said in response to President Trump’s proposed fiscal year 2018 budget that zeroes out the current funding for the $300 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative:
“The Trump Administration’s decision to completely eliminate all funding for the successful Great Lakes Restoration Initiative program is foolish and misguided. The Great Lakes are the world’s largest freshwater body and the lakes supply drinking water for 42 million people.”
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said that he wants to go “back to basics” – what could be more basic than restoring the Great Lakes and protecting safe, clean drinking water?
“The GLRI program enjoys strong bipartisan support. Both Republican and Democratic leaders have urged President Trump to reverse course because they understand voters’ strong support for the Great Lakes.
“The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has funded 3,000 projects to keep the lakes clean, preserve shorelines and protect safe, clean drinking water. President Trump should reconsider his misguided decision, and instead, restore funding for this vital program that protects safe, clean drinking water and protects the Great Lakes for our children and our future.”