Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the House passed S. 140, the Frank Lobiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act. This bipartisan legislation takes commonsense steps to safeguard the Great Lakes, minimize the threat posed by invasive species, and increase economic opportunity.

“This bipartisan legislation continues to make the Great Lakes a national priority while also taking important steps to preserve and protect the Lakes for future generations. Specifically the legislation will allow states across the Great Lakes to work together to modernize how ballast water is regulated which will help prevent the spread of potential invasive species. This cooperative approach will also provide regulatory certainty for commercial shippers on the Great Lakes that support thousands of jobs in communities across Michigan and throughout the region.

“Another way this important legislation takes steps to protect the Great Lakes is by establishing a U.S. Coast Guard National Center of Expertise (NCOE) for the Great Lakes. The NCOE will serve as a research, training, testing, and deployment hub for freshwater oil spill response. To date, most of the research and preparedness training has focused on responding to events in saltwater. With millions of Americans relying on the Great Lakes as their source of drinking water, livelihood, and recreation, I am glad to see Congress reach across the aisle to actively work to protect the largest source of fresh water on the planet.

“I continue to believe that a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem is critical to having a strong, vibrant, and healthy Great Lakes economy. This bipartisan bill helps us preserve our pristine natural resources for future generations while maintaining our ability to grow and harness their economic potential.”

S. 140 has already passed the Senate and now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.