Save the lakes: Congress must act now to keep them great
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Of all America's bounties, none is of greater importance than its abundance of fresh water. When Congress reconvenes on Monday, a first order of business should be passing legislation to protect and restore the Great Lakes.
Securing the health of the lakes should not be a partisan issue. As global populations increase, fresh water will be an increasingly valuable resource. The Great Lakes contain some 6 quadrillion gallons of fresh water, about 20 percent of all the surface fresh water in the world.
Forty million people get their drinking water from the lakes and tens of millions depend on them for their livelihood. Uncounted millions hunt fish, swim and sail on the lakes. Great Lakes fishing is a $7 billion industry.
Yet the Great Lakes are under attack. Voracious Asian carp are on the verge of entering Lake Michigan. Industrial and agricultural runoff, wastewater infused with discarded pharmaceuticals and sewer overflows pollute all five lakes.
Algae blooms in the shallow waters of western Lake Erie, as well as elsewhere, have threatened both economic and recreational uses. Toxic sediments, a legacy of 150 years of irresponsible use, cover the lake bed in many areas and await cleanup.
The right response to these challenges is before Congress, which should approve the Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Passing these bills and maintaining funding are critical to guarding the lakes' health.
Congress should resist the urge to slash funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to fund smaller, less important projects. The Environmental Protection Agency's plan to reverse the abuse the lakes have suffered will cost $2.2 billion over several years, but it's worth it. If the lame-duck Congress fails to act, those who serve in the next session should address the issue.
While Pennsylvanians sometimes forget this is a Great Lakes state, they should be mindful of Lake Erie's 45-mile shoreline in Erie County and the lake's enormous economic impact. That's why Pennsylvania lawmakers -- U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Sen.-elect Pat Toomey, who live in the eastern part of the state and U.S. Rep.-elect Mike Kelly, who lives in Butler city, but whose district includes Erie -- must realize the lake's importance.
Water is life. Congress should be able to see that and respond by protecting and restoring this vital resource.
First Published November 27, 2010 12:00 am
