Statement of David Masur, PennEnvironment Director
"PennEnvironment applauds the U.S. House for passing legislation today to clean up toxic contamination in Lake Erie and throughout the Great Lakes. The House voted for the Great Lakes Legacy Reauthorization Act (H.R. 6460), which authorizes $54 million a year for two years in funding to clean up toxic pollution. The U.S. Senate passed the legislation on Thursday.
"While additional funding is needed, the reauthorization of the Great Lakes Legacy Act is an important step toward cleaning up the worst toxic sites in the Great Lakes.
"Accounting for 20 percent of the fresh water on Earth, the Great Lakes are threatened by a legacy of toxic pollution. Chemicals, including PCBs, mercury and other heavy metals, contaminate rivers and harbors that feed the lakes, threatening public health and the environment.
"Since its original passage in 2002, the Great Lakes Legacy Act has made important progress in the removal of toxic sediment, but significant work remains. Tens of millions of cubic yards of contaminated sediment still need to be removed from rivers and harbors.
"This is the second action Congress has taken to restore the Great Lakes this week. On Tuesday, the House passed the Great Lakes Compact to ensure more sustainable use of Great Lakes water."
