LANSING — State Rep. Terry J. Sabo (D-Muskegon) introduced a substitute today to House Resolution 21 to include the U.S. president in the list of those called upon to act immediately to prevent the spread of invasive species in the Great Lakes region. The House adopted the substituted resolution.
“Michigan reaps billions in benefits annually from economic tourism, and much of that hinges on our ability to provide hunters and fishermen and women access to our natural resources,” said Rep. Sabo. “When an invasive species like the Asian carp moves in, those resources are destroyed. It is not simply our environment, but the livelihood of thousands of Michiganders, that is threatened if we do not take action.”
The resolution, introduced by state Rep. Holly Hughes (R-Montague), calls on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies to prevent the spread of non-native species into the Great Lakes, using new research and technology. In response to President Trump delaying the release of a report detailing actions to prevent the spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes, Rep. Sabo wanted the resolution to include the president in the list of agencies tasked with fighting invasive species.
“Regardless of one’s feelings about the president, we all know that the person who holds that office has a powerful role in policy direction,” said Rep. Sabo. “That’s why it’s critical that President Trump join the fight against the spread of invasive species. Protecting the Great Lakes is a no-brainer and an issue we can all get behind. I am hopeful that the president will reverse yesterday’s decision, and work with these state and federal departments to ensure the quality of our region’s natural resources for generations to come.”