Great Lakes

Satellite Photo of the Great Lake, Centered on Michigan

The Great Lakes are critical to Michigan's economy and outdoor heritage. As a unique national treasure and the largest system of fresh surface water in the world, the Great Lakes provide drinking water for nearly 40 million people and are an economic driver that supports jobs, commerce, agriculture, transportation, and tourism.

It is imperative that we protect this vital asset against invasive species. Asian carp have been found less than ten miles from Lake Michigan. If Asian carp establish populations in the Great Lakes, they will devastate the region's fishing and boating industries. The Army Corps of Engineers must act quickly to take the necessary steps to protect our Great Lakes.

I strongly support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Since the initiative was launched in 2010, GLRI funds have been used to support over 3,000 restoration projects to improve water quality, protect and restore native habitat, clean up environmentally-impaired Areas of Concern, fight invasive species, and prevent beach closings. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure funding for protecting the Great Lakes.

More on Great Lakes

Moolenaar Introduces Safe Water and Nutrition Access Act
April 22, 2016
Press Release
As a Mid Michigan resident it is important to me to find ways to help rural communities in Michigan along with our neighbors in Flint. Rural communities in my district and across Michigan also have water safety concerns and this legislation eliminates barriers to federal grants for water infrastructure financing and technical assistance.
Issues: Accountability Agriculture Education and Opportunity Great Lakes Health Care
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Flint Water Crisis: The EPA Wasn't Listening to Flint Residents
March 15, 2016
Press Release
Rep. John Moolenaar's statement on Flint Oversight Hearing.
Issues: Great Lakes Accountability
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Moolenaar Opens New Cadillac Office
January 21, 2016
In The News

by Antonio Coleman, Cadillac News

Moolenaar Opens New Cadillac Office

Excerpt: U.S Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, invited residents to the Old City Hall Building Wednesday afternoon to discuss several challenges facing the state. “It’s important for me to be an affective advocate for Northern Michigan and this new office is a great way to do that,” Moolenaar said.

Issues: Great Lakes Accountability
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Moolenaar Stands With Michigan Farmers Against Executive Branch Overreach
January 13, 2016
Press Release
Moolenaar: "Today, I stood with the 15,000 farmers in my district and continued to fight against the Obama Administration's executive overreach. Farmers across Michigan are worried about this rule which would regulate ditches and puddles on their fields. Federal courts and a bipartisan majority of the people’s representatives have opposed this rule. The executive branch should rescind it and give farmers more certainty for the future."
Issues: Great Lakes Agriculture
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House Passes Funding for Protecting the Great Lakes
December 18, 2015
Press Release
The legislation provides $300 million in funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to protect the Lakes and the $7 billion economy they support. In recognition of the EPA’s overreach with the Waters of the U.S. rule and other burdensome regulations, this bill cuts EPA spending by $452 million. It also makes changes to the visa waiver program and requires visitors to America who have traveled to terrorism hotspots to undergo rigorous background checks before entering the country.
Issues: Energy Veterans Health Care Jobs and the Economy National Security
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Moolenaar: Court Decision a Victory for Michigan Farmers
October 9, 2015
Press Release

Today, the Sixth Circuit of Appeals issued a stay temporarily blocking the Environmental Protection Agency from implementing its overreaching Waters of the U.S. Rule until further litigation can be resolved.

Representative John Moolenaar (R-Midland) issued the following statement:

"In hearing from farmers across the district, I know many were worried that this overreaching rule from the EPA would interfere in their daily operations. Today's court decision is a victory for them.

Issues: Great Lakes Agriculture
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8 Michigan Lawmakers Urge Obama to Extend Great Lakes Aid
September 30, 2015
In The News

by Melissa Nann Burke, Detroit News

8 Michigan Lawmakers Urge Obama to Extend Great Lakes Aid

n addition to Levin, the Michigan signatories were Republican Reps. Candice Miller of Harrison Township, Dan Benishek of Crystal Falls and John Moolenaar of Midland as well as Democratic Reps. Brenda Lawrence of Southfield, Debbie Dingell of Dearborn, Dan Kildee of Flint Township and John Conyers Jr. of Detroit.

Issues: Budget Great Lakes
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Moolenaar Questions EPA Director on Agency's Overreaching Water Rule
July 9, 2015
Press Release
Congress has oversight of the EPA and has heard from environmental experts and farmers that the water rule is confusing. The unintended consequences of this rule could be very costly to local communities in Michigan. I look forward to working with Administrator McCarthy on making sure Michigan farmers, businesses and towns will be able to operate without interference from the EPA.
Issues: Agriculture Great Lakes Jobs and the Economy
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Moolenaar: EPA's Misplaced Priorities Burden Michigan Farmers and Businesses, and Jeopardize the Great Lakes
May 27, 2015
Press Release
"When I hear from farmers in my district, this EPA rule is one of their top concerns. They are worried about the federal government coming to regulate ditches and mud puddles on their land. Republicans and Democrats alike have voted against this EPA proposal, and we will continue to fight for the thousands of men and women working in Michigan agriculture to ensure they are able to farm their land and run their businesses without being saddled by onerous rules and regulations," said Mooolenaar.
Issues: Great Lakes Agriculture
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