This resolution expresses support for designating March 6, 2025, as "Great Lakes Day" to recognize the region's vital environmental, economic, and cultural importance while committing to its ongoing protection.
John James
Representative
MI-10
This resolution expresses support for designating March 6, 2025, as "Great Lakes Day" to recognize the region's vital importance to the environment, economy, and public health of the United States. It highlights the Great Lakes' role as a critical source of fresh water and commerce while reaffirming a commitment to their ongoing protection and restoration. Additionally, the bill designates Lake St. Clair as the "Heart of the Great Lakes" and calls for accelerated efforts to preserve these essential natural resources.
Great Lakes Day Resolution Proposes March 6, 2025, as National Recognition Date for $3.1 Trillion Waterway System.
This resolution formally designates March 6, 2025, as "Great Lakes Day," aiming to put a national spotlight on the five lakes that hold 90% of the United States' surface fresh water. Beyond just a date on the calendar, the bill serves as a formal recognition of the massive economic and ecological footprint of Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario, and Superior. It specifically highlights the region's role as an economic powerhouse that supports 25 million jobs and generates $1.3 trillion in annual wages, framing the health of these waters as a direct pocketbook issue for workers across eight states.
The Economic and Ecological Engine
The resolution breaks down the staggering scale of the Great Lakes impact, noting they provide drinking water for over 40 million people and support a $3.1 trillion gross domestic product. For anyone working in transportation, manufacturing, or tourism in the Midwest or Northeast, the bill connects the dots between environmental health and job security. It also identifies Lake St. Clair as the "Heart of the Great Lakes," calling out its specific importance for local commerce and recreation. By citing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the bill signals a continued federal commitment to funding the cleanup and maintenance of these waters, which is vital for everyone from commercial fishers to local municipal water managers.
Protecting the Backyard
For the millions of people who head to the lakes for weekend hiking, boating, or fishing, the resolution emphasizes the protection of habitats for species like walleye, trout, and the Kirtland’s warbler. It acknowledges the lakes as ancestral lands for Native American Tribes and underscores that the parks and shorelines are essential for the quality of life for 35 million residents. By calling on all levels of government to "speed up ongoing work," the bill essentially creates a mandate for faster action on conservation projects, ensuring that the infrastructure and natural beauty people rely on today remain intact for the next generation of workers and families.