‘Protecting Our Great Lakes Act’ Reintroduced

Congressman Bob Latta yesterday reintroduced the Protecting Our Great Lakes Act, legislation to help mitigate harmful algal blooms by prohibiting the discharge of dredged material into the waters of the Great Lakes.

“The Protecting Our Great Lakes Act is one step we can take to mitigate harmful algal blooms in our Great Lakes,” said Latta. “The lakes’ health is vital to our region, as millions of people rely on them for drinking water. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to get this legislation passed, so we may protect these national treasures for current and future generations.”

During the dredging process, material is discharged back into the lake, re-suspending buried harmful material as well as disturbing existing bottom sediments and the resting stages of harmful algal bloom species. The Protecting Our Great Lakes Act prohibits the discharge of dredged material into the waters of the Great Lakes.

This legislation is another piece of Congressman Latta’s bipartisan efforts to mitigate algal blooms and improve water quality in Lake Erie and the Great Lakes.