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Schakowsky Statement on Updated Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement

September 7, 2012

Washington, D.C. (September 7, 2012) — Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement today in recognition of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, which was amended for the first time since 1987:

"Today, I celebrate the amended Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the United States and Canada, which addresses critical environmental health issues in the Great Lakes region. I have lived near Lake Michigan my whole life, and I am pleased that our most treasured body of fresh water can rely on the enhanced stewardship of both countries.

The new Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement reflects public input as to how to best address the many challenges our two countries face in the Great Lakes region. The Agreement — which followed three years of negotiation — focuses on the nearshore environment, aquatic invasive species, habitat degradation, and the effects of climate change. It also supports continued work on existing threats to public health and the environment in the Great Lakes basin such as harmful algae, toxic chemicals, discharges from vessels, and the spread of invasive species such as Asian Carp.

I applaud President Obama, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, the Canadian government, and all the stakeholders who contributed to this important bilateral agreement....

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