U.S. Reps. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Fred Upton (R-MI) on June 3 joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler in announcing the 14 new members of the Great Lakes Advisory Board (GLAB), an EPA federal advisory committee.
The GLAB in December 2018 was re-established to provide recommendations on matters related to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and implementation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the United States and Canada.
“By reconstituting the Great Lakes Advisory Board, President Trump and Administrator Wheeler continue to make the Great Lakes a national priority,” said Rep. Huizenga, co-chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force. “With the selection of Dr. Alan Steinman to serve on the board, it’s clear the research being done by his team at Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute will play an even greater role in protecting, preserving, and strengthening the Great Lakes for future generations.”
“The good folks of southwest Michigan and across the state understand the value and beauty of the Great Lakes,” Rep. Upton said. “Growing up on Lake Michigan’s shoreline, this issue is deeply personal to me. The Great Lakes Advisory Board – with its different backgrounds and perspectives – will serve an important role in preserving and protecting the Great Lakes for generations to come.”
The 14 members, who represent a broad range of interests, including business groups, environmental organizations, academia and state, local and tribal governments, serve as representatives of non-federal interests and report to the EPA administrator through the Great Lakes National Program Manager.
In addition to the re-establishment of the GLAB, EPA recently announced an additional $20 million in GLRI funding for projects addressing challenges affecting the Great Lakes, including invasive species control and excess nutrients.