Amid Obama Budget Cuts, Coalition Urges Congress to Again Stand up for Great Lakes

<> Amid Obama Budget Cuts, Coalition Urges Congress to Again Stand up for Great Lakes - The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is calling on Congress to restore funding to core Great Lakes restoration programs that protect drinking water, keep beaches open, and support the outdoor recreation economy, following the release of President Barack Obama's budget on Tuesday.

Michigan leaders oppose Wisconsin town's Great Lakes diversion request

<> Michigan leaders oppose Wisconsin town's Great Lakes diversion request - Jennifer McKay, policy specialist for the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council said, "We are actually recommending that Gov. Rick Snyder deny approval to the [Waukesha, WI] application. It does not meet the standards put forth in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact."

Obama Budget Cuts Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

<> Obama Budget Cuts Great Lakes Restoration Initiative - Today President Obama released his proposed budget, which includes cuts to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative from the current $300 million federal investment to $250 million.

Mackinac Straits, Line 5 focus of Coast Guard bill

<> Mackinac Straits, Line 5 focus of Coast Guard bill - Great Lakes transportation and oil pipeline safety are key factors in legislation expected to be signed by President Barack Obama in the near future -- In addition to calling for the new icebreaker, the bill also includes a provision Peters authored requiring the U.S. Coast Guard and other relevant federal agencies to coordinate an assessment of fresh water oil spill response activities, including during times of heavy ice cover. H.R. 4188: Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015

New EPA Report: $80 Billion Needed for Wastewater Infrastructure in Great Lakes States

<> New EPA Report: $80 Billion Needed for Wastewater Infrastructure in Great Lakes States - Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition says the Federal investment fails to keep pace with need -- at current funding levels, it will take 160 years to meet wastewater infrastructure needs of region. Report: Clean Watersheds Needs Survey 2012 Report to Congress Website: Clean Watersheds Needs Survey (CWNS) – 2012 Report and Data

Comments Wanted: 'Testing a Framework for Assessing the Effectiveness of Programs and Other Measures under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement'

<> Comments Wanted: 'Testing a Framework for Assessing the Effectiveness of Programs and Other Measures under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement' - The International Joint Commission (IJC) commissioned a study to test a methodology for the assessment of progress in the achievement of GLWQA objectives -- comments are appreciated by March 4, 2016.

MI Rep. Miller: 'No' to nuclear waste near Lake Huron

<> MI Rep. Miller: 'No' to nuclear waste near Lake Huron - Its backers contend the waste can be more safely stored there (in a limestone formation 2,200 feet below the surface) than it is today, on-site at nuclear power generating stations -- "In my view, that contention defies common sense."