The public gets a say on Great Lakes restoration and protection

As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its federal partners develop an updated action plan for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a key part of their process is seeking public input. Throughout the summer, the EPA is holding public input sessions on deemed priorities for Great Lakes restoration and protection in several cities bordering the Great Lakes.

“This action plan will become the blueprint for our work,” says Debra Shore, the EPA Region 5 administrator and the Great Lakes national program manager. “It is essential for us to take into account the priorities of the people who live, work, and play in the Great Lakes basin.”

Since 2010, the GLRI has provided funding to target the biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem and to accelerate progress toward achieving long-term goals. GLRI Action Plan III was published in 2019 to guide restoration and protection through 2024. Action Plan IV will outline actions for 2025 through 2029.

The EPA and its partners are seeking public input to better incorporate environmental justice, climate change impacts, along other socio-economic elements as part of the updated plan.

The last public session will be held virtually on August 23rd. Visit the GLRI website to register or find out more information.