Funding Great Lakes restoration has been talked about for years. President Bush requested a plan early in his second term, but appropriations fell far short of the 20 billion dollar price tag.
Both Obama and McCain have pledged to do more to solve the lakes’ problems. Jordan Lubetkin of the Great Lakes Coalition believes that this announcement is a sign that the Great Lakes are beginning to receive the necessary political attention that it deserves.
Lubetkin: “We look forward to working with both John McCain and Barack Obama to make sure whoever occupies the oval office come January will be one who stands up for the Great lakes.”
Problems include invasive species, toxic hotspots, and contamination from antiquated sewer systems.
Obama’s proposal includes $5-billion in new federal funds, which would be paid for by rolling back tax cuts and incentives to oil companies. A Great Lakes coordinator within the EPA would oversee funding and coordinate governmental action.