Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In commemoration of the 45^th anniversary of Earth Day, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) issued the following statement:

“Each year, we set aside a day to remind ourselves of the debt we owe the Earth for sustaining, nourishing, and protecting us year round. We often take for granted the resources our planet has provided us, but this mentality must change if we want the opportunity to pass on a habitable environment to our children and grandchildren.

“In Wisconsin, one of our most valuable natural resources is the Great Lakes, the largest system of fresh water in the world. As a source of food, water, and recreation, we need to ensure that it is appropriately maintained, so that it continues to serve as a treasure of the Midwest for generations to come. Important programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) have been instrumental in accelerating preservation efforts. I have been a strong supporter of the bipartisan effort to continue the GLRI, serving as an original cosponsor on legislation to reauthorize the program for an additional five years.

“The GLRI has clearly demonstrated measurable results. Five Environmental Protection Agency “Areas of Concern” in the region have already been delisted in the past five years, as compared to only one delisting in the preceding 25 years. This has included the cleanup of 630,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, and the reductions of harmful algae in three priority watersheds. The GLRI has assembled its priorities for the next five years, but without the continued support from congressional funding, the progress we’ve achieved in the past half-decade will come to a halt. Let the 45^th anniversary of Earth Day serve as a call-to-action that we must continue to support vital programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.”