Great Lakes Advocates Gather in Washington, D.C.
All the fantastic advocates who came to Great Lakes Day! Credit: David Keith Photography
In early March, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition brought over 80 advocates from across the Great Lakes region to Washington, D.C. for Great Lakes Day—an annual event focused on the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes. The event gathered passionate environmental activists, local leaders, and concerned citizens who are committed to ensuring clean water and a sustainable future for the Great Lakes.
The timing of this event was crucial as it came amidst the Trump Administration’s purge of federal employees, massive federal funding cuts, and uncertainty about the future of federal investments in clean water and Great Lakes restoration programs as Congress attempts to finalize a federal budget.
A Powerful Advocacy Push
Indiana advocates met with Representative Frank Mrvan (D-Indiana). Credit: Save the Dunes
Ohio advocates met with the office of Representative Shontel Brown (D-Ohio). Credit: Restore America’s Estuaries
Michigan advocates met with the office of Representative Tom Barrett (R-Michigan). Credit: Huron River Watershed Council
Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) came to speak with attendees during our prep day. She spoke to the importance of meetings with Members of Congress and sharing local stories to illustrate the importance of the Great Lakes.
The event’s goal is to share information about how Great Lakes investments are producing results in the region. Participants represented each of the eight Great Lakes states—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—and directly engaged with their Members of Congress, urging them to take action. In total, advocates met with the offices of over 65 Members of Congress and Senators. These advocates highlighted both what has worked in the region and the need for continued federal support for clean water programs as Congress and the administration consider drastic reductions to funding and agency staff, pointing out that cuts not only undermine the progress that has been made, but also lead to greater costs down the road.
Faces Behind the Stories
Great Lakes Day is not only a chance for participants to share their stories with their legislators, but for legislators to hear from some of the people whose lives are directly affected by the health of the lakes. Local environmental leaders shared their personal stories and experiences, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by communities without access to clean water, healthy fish populations, and thriving ecosystems. Advocates also spoke to the positive economic impact of a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem, which supports jobs in tourism, agriculture, fishing, and more.
Reception with Our Neighbors to the North
A Canadian official speaks at the reception co-hosted by the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition and the Embassy of Canada. Credit: David Keith Photography
During Great Lakes Day, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition and the Embassy of Canada co-host a reception. This gathering highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the Great Lakes and underscores the strength of this cross-border partnership.
Looking Ahead
Congress must support federal investments to restore and protect the Great Lakes and other core clean water programs that are essential to our drinking water, public health, and economy.
The Coalition’s policy agenda for 2025 includes support for:
Reauthorizing of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to extend the program through 2031 and authorize the federal government to invest $500 million annually in restoration and protection action.
Funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to clean up toxic pollution, restore fish and wildlife habitat, reduce farm and city runoff pollution, and prevent and manage invasive species.
Investing in key water infrastructure programs to support community efforts to upgrade wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, targeting the biggest problems and the communities hardest hit by pollution and environmental harm.
Strengthening clean water protections by protecting core EPA and USACE staffing critical to implementing and enforcing clean water protections, strengthening the Clean Water Act, and addressing legacy and emerging contaminants such as toxic PFAS, lead, runoff pollution, and plastics.
Passing a Farm Bill that supports Farm Bill Conservation Funding and staffing at NRCS and ties payments and incentives for farmers to clean water outcomes and the implementation of sustainable practices that protect soil and water quality.
Learn More
For more information about Great Lakes Day and to read the materials we shared with Members of Congress, check out this post on our website. For questions, reach out to Lindsey Bacigal at BacigalL@nwf.org or (734) 887-7113.
