Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Representative John James (MI-10) introduced a resolution to designate March 6, 2025, as “Great Lakes Day.” The resolution is being cosponsored by Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Lisa McClain (R-MI), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Tim Walberg (R-MI). 

The Great Lakes are home to over 90% of the United States’ freshwater supply and over 20% of the world’s freshwater supply, providing drinking water for over 40 million people. They are critical to the region’s economy, providing transportation for goods and contributing $3.1 trillion in gross domestic product.

The resolution also highlights the importance of Lake St. Clair as the “Heart of the Great Lakes,” for its contribution to drinking water, recreation, and commerce. 

Rep. James is a member of the Great Lakes Task Force and has been a staunch supporter of protecting the economic and environmental health of the Michigan’s water resources. He cosponsored the Great Lakes Restoration initiative that invested $368 million in the Great Lakes, led a resolution protecting the Great Lakes from a Canadian nuclear storage site, brought $2 million to Macomb County to remove pollution from Lake St. Clair, and much more. 

Rep. James issued this statement after introducing the resolution:

“I’m proud to introduce this legislation designating March 6^th as “Great Lakes Day.” Michigan is blessed to be a Great Lakes state, and I am committed to ensuring that future generations can enjoy the abundant blessings of our Great Lakes for centuries to come. The Great Lakes hosts a $62 billion-dollar annual economy, and Lake St. Clair brings in $1.6 billion in economic impact and is visited by more than 17 million people each year. Michiganders know that the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair are so much more than just bodies of water—they are part of our way of life and must be protected.”

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