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Klobuchar Says Great Lakes Research Funding Cuts Would Hurt Economy and Environment

With Lake Superior water levels near historic lows, Klobuchar highlights need to battle climate change

May 6, 2008

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar called today for full funding of Great Lakes research programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), saying they are vital to protecting a great natural resource from climate change, invasive species and other environmental threats. Klobuchar also noted that Lake Superior’s water levels are near the lowest level in eight decades, causing disruptions to Great Lakes shipping and the region’s economy.

Klobuchar, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, highlighted the challenges facing the Great Lakes at a hearing to review the Administration’s Fiscal 2009 budget proposal for NOAA.

“We must address concerns that I have heard from shippers and sportsmen as well as businesses and residents in communities all along Lake Superior,” said Klobuchar.  “To protect and preserve the greatness of our Great Lakes, we need to be smart about how we manage this unique natural resource as we respond and adapt to the challenges presented by climate change.”

In addition to low water levels, apparently a consequence of global climate change, invasive species are threatening Lake Superior’s ecosystem and the government’s harbor and open-water infrastructure used to manage ecological problems is aging rapidly.

The Administration’s overall budget for Fiscal 2009 requests a 5.2 percent funding increase for NOAA, but within that it proposes a $15 million cut for NOAA’s ocean and Great Lakes research arm, including the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.

“The Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory has conducted high-quality research and provided scientific leadership on important issues for the Great Lakes and for other coastal environments,’’ Klobuchar said. “If we want sustainable and comprehensive management strategies for the Great Lakes we have to continue this important research.’’

Last year Klobuchar passed three amendments as part of the Lieberman-Warner climate change bill in the Environment and Public Works Committee that would establish a new set of federal research and adaptation programs related to climate change.  Klobuchar’s amendments would provide Great Lakes communities the necessary research and access to federal resources.  The amendments passed as part of broader legislation that will study the effects of climate change and help communities mitigate the impact it has on America’s natural resources.


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