U.S. Sens. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), pictured, and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) will head up a task force that will advocate for the Great Lakes region's interests. | Contributed photo
U.S. Sens. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), pictured, and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) will head up a task force that will advocate for the Great Lakes region's interests. | Contributed photo
U.S. Sens. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) have been elected by colleagues to co-chair the Senate Great Lakes Task Force.
Kirk and Stabenow will be responsible for convening meetings of members and staff representing the Great Lakes states. They will also help provide oversight and work on legislation and funding priorities.
"As co-chairs, my colleague, Senator Stabenow, and I are committed to cleaning up toxic hot spots, removing the threat of invasive species and ending sewage dumping in the Great Lakes, the Crown Jewel of the Midwest’s ecosystem, once and for all," Kirk said.
Stabenow said it is vital that the natural resources of Michigan are preserved and protected.
“This is an important leadership role that will continue to give Michigan a strong voice as we work together to protect our lakes and water resources," she said.
Kirk has served as co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. His work includes restoring contaminated spots in Illinois. He also has worked on legislation to ban sewage dumping in the Great Lakes.
Stabenow has worked on legislation to ban oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes area. She also authored the Stop Invasive Species Act and 2014 Farm Bill, and advocated for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
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