Great Lakes Legislative Caucus > News And Events

Caucus to meet July 29 and 30 in Duluth, Minn.; limited travel stipend available for legislators
Friday, May 17, 2013

This year's annual meeting of the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus will be held July 29 and 30 in Duluth, Minn. A limited travel stipend will be made available to members of the caucus on a first-come, first-served basis.

The meeting agenda includes a mix of site visits, including a trip on a Lake Superior research vessel, and sessions on key Great Lakes public policy. This year's meeting topics include the future of the federal investment in Great Lakes restoration, continuing implementation of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact, the causes and impact of low water levels, and initiatives to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.

The meeting is being held at the Fitger's Inn, located on the shores of Lake Superior.

Record-low water levels, rise in algal blooms among concerns linked to changing Great Lakes climate
Tuesday, March 12, 2013

In December, water levels on lakes Michigan and Huron reached an all-time recorded lo. And concerns about this trend have never been higher — as reflected in much of the discussion at a January meeting in Chicago that explored the new Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

For the first time in its 41-year history, the binational pact makes adapting to climate change a priority for action on both sides of the border.

Though they have always fluctuated, the recent low readings in lakes Michigan and Huron have led many to conclude that “we have reached a tipping point,” noted John Nevin of the International Joint Commission (IJC), with warmer air and water temperatures leading to increased evaporation of Great Lakes waters.

“The commission is very concerned about it,” Nevin said at the meeting, which was sponsored by the IJC as well as the Alliance for the Great Lakes and Consulate General of Canada in Chicago.

But can concerns about lower water levels and other climate-change impacts be translated into meaningful action?

Great Lakes, Great Webinars being offered by the caucus
Monday, February 11, 2013

The Great Lakes Legislative Caucus has scheduled a series of webinars this year for lawmakers to explore issues in Great Lakes policy and protection. Our upcoming webinar topics are "Energy Production in the Great Lakes" and "Assuring Swimmable Waters and Healthy Beaches."

Dates and times for these webinars, as well as registration information, will be available soon. Please contact Lisa Janairo for more information.

Caucus holds February workshops for legislators in Michigan, Minnesota
Monday, December 17, 2012

Great Lakes policy workshops were held in two state capitals soon after legislatures convened for the new year.

Under rules approved this summer, the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus has established a process for state and provincial legislators to become formal members of the caucus. Membership is free and open to all legislators in the basin. Members of the caucus will drive its activities related to Great Lakes policy, protection and restoration.

Please click here to learn more and to become a member.