The Mid-West was abuzz this morning as news broke that democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama and his running mate Sen. Joe Biden released a plan to use the Executive Office to restore the Great Lakes. It is a constructive first step that puts meat on the bones of the restoration pledge that Obama and GOP presidential candidate John McCain took in the early days of this campaign.
Obama’s plan would appoint someone to coordinate the federal, state and local agencies working on Great Lakes issues, and commit to providing at least $5 billion in new funds to jump start restoration. That is a nice down payment toward the $20 billion needed to fully restore the lakes and help generate a thriving economy in our region. Thank goodness the candidates have recognized the increasingly vital role the Great Lakes play in our economy.
“The release of Senator Obama’s plan indicates that the presidential candidates are getting serious about Great Lakes restoration. We look forward to the candidates trying to outdo each other on who is going to stand up for the millions of people, businesses and communities who rely on the Great Lakes 365 days a year,” stated Jeff Skelding, national campaign director for Healing Our Waters.
Last week, the Republicans for Environmental Protection’s Rob Sisson represented the McCain campaign at HOW’s annual conference, he argued that McCain thoroughly understands the economic boon that restoration promises and recognizes the urgency of the situation. “He will be looking for a bill to sign…as part of a larger national effort,” Sisson said. McCain, a fan of Teddy Roosevelt, wrote an editorial entitled “Nature is not a Liberal Plot,” to make the point that conservative and conservation shouldn’t be at odds.
Just before speaking to HOW, Sisson told the Associated Press that McCain will use his leadership to help the Great Lakes, “he won’t just wait for Congress to deliver the bill. He’ll work with Congress to pull a bill from them.”
In the meantime, we are grateful that the Candidates have recognized the significance of the Lakes to this nation and we hope for a commitment to fully fund the $20 billion restoration program regardless of who takes office in January.
Related posts:
- House Invasive Species Legislation a Step in the Right Direction, But Could Do More
- McCain Signs Pledge, State Houses Demand Others Follow Suit
- Local Party Officials Urge Candidates on Great Lakes
- Obama, Clinton Pick up the Gauntlet and Sign the Great Lakes Pledge
- Republican Candidates Strike Out Looking on Great Lakes in Debate