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U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12), State Representatives Darrin Camilleri, Abdullah Hammoud, Cara Clemente, and Frank Liberati today came together to reject President Trump’s budget blueprint for fiscal year 2018 that proposes deep cuts to programs that protect the environment and the Great Lakes. The budget proposes to cut EPA’s overall funding by 31%, in addition to completely eliminating the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and closing EPA’s Region V office in Chicago that oversees the environmental programs throughout Michigan.

“Those of us who live in Michigan know that the Great Lakes are a way of life- they are vital for clean water, jobs, and our economy,” said Dingell. “The earth is not ours, we just borrow it from future generations, and cutting funding from crucial programs that protect the environment and public health jeopardizes the critical work that has been done to clean up and protect these waters for generations to come.  Protecting the environment is not a partisan issue, it is an American issue that impacts us all.”

“The people I represent care deeply about the Great Lakes. Along our stretch of the Detroit River and Lake Erie alone, our community has used nearly $15 million from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative,” said Camilleri. “The proposed cuts to this program are short-sighted and a danger to our health, economy, and quality of life here Downriver.”

“Earth day tomorrow it is an important reminder that we need to preserve the beauty of our waterways,” said Clemente. “Not only do invasive species threaten these waterways but they also take away from the recreation all Michigan citizens enjoy. Riverfront parks are the gems of Downriver. Without support for these parks from all levels of government, we will not be able to enjoy them as we once did.”

“We are fighting to protect our greatest natural resources - our land, air and water - for our families and future generations to come. We need policies that ensure all Michigan residents have access to clean water and clean air,” said Hammoud. “This is not a partisan issue. Sound environmental policy is good for our health and our economy."

“With 20% of the World’s fresh water in our Great Lakes, it is critical that we continue to act as responsible stewards of these natural wonders,” said Liberati. “It is absolutely essential for the state of Michigan and the Trump Administration to maintain adequate support for all of our preservation initiatives.”