Coalition and Others to Environment and Public Works Leadership Regarding the Great Lakes Ecological and Economic Protection Act

To: The Honorable Barbara Boxer
Chairperson
Environment & Public Works Committee
United States Senate
410 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable David Vitter
Ranking Member
Environment & Public Works Committee
United States Senate
456 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Benjamin Cardin
Chairperson
Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife
Environment & Public Works Committee
United States Senate
410 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable John Boozman
Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife
Environment & Public Works Committee
United States Senate
456 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

From: The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition
The Great Lakes Commission
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
The Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority
The Council of Great Lakes Industries
The Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition

Dear Chairpersons Boxer and Cardin, and Ranking Members Vitter and Boozman:

We are writing to convey our support for S. 1232, the Great Lakes Ecological and Economic Protection Act (GLEEPA) of 2013, being considered by the Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by the co-chairs of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Senators Carl Levin and Mark Kirk, provides a solid platform to ensure our region continues to work together successfully to implement a science-based and outcomes-focused plan of action for restoring and protecting the Great Lakes; spends resources effectively and transparently; targets funding at the right priorities and the right areas; and engages people, communities and stakeholders who know the problems and their solutions. This is a top regional priority for the Great Lakes states, local communities, tribes, conservation organizations, and business and industry…