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2009 In Review: Highlights in the fight to protect the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River

2009 marked a new era in Great Lakes protection. From major funding commitments to a renewed emphasis on cross-border action to protect these waters, the past year has had no shortage of wins. That is not to say that it was perfect; challenges still remain. Below, we highlight some of the region’s major stories.

Renegotiation of the GLWQA
In a June ceremony, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon announced the two countries would update this important pact to protect water quality.

Court victory over mining pollution
A Canadian federal court judge ruled in favour of Great Lakes United and its allies, finding that Environment Canada must direct the mining industry to report the toxics being released into tailings ponds and waste rock piles.

$475 million funding boost for Great Lakes protection
U.S. Congress and President Obama approved nearly half a billion dollars in new funding for Great Lakes clean up. The boost will help clean up toxic contamination, fight invasive species, and improve nearshore ecosystem health.

U.S. Coast Guard proposes stringent final ballast standard
The proposed rulemaking is designed to ramp up ballast discharge standards to the highest in the world, making significant gains in the protection against invasive species. However, an extended timeline and potential loopholes may delay or undermine the effort; vocal public comment is needed to prevent this.

Great Lakes United launches conservation initiative
Building on the framework set by the Great Lakes Compact and Agreement, Great Lakes United launched a three-year conservation initiative this past summer. The plan is a mix of high level policy action and public outreach through the Great Lakes United TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® 2010.

Improved exhaust emissions from ships curtailed
In a short-sighted maneuver, Great Lakes politicians managed to exempt up to 26 lakers from new EPA exhaust emission standards. After the shipping industry lobbied for the exemption with overblown claims of economic calamity, the dirtiest ships on the lakes will continue to emit a black smoke of pollutants.

Report outlines principles to guide a 21st century shipping industry
As the St. Lawrence Seaway celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Great Lakes United released a report that identified 7 principles necessary to guide the industry into a century of sustainability and prosperity.

© 2010 Great Lakes News.