Great Lakes restoration

The Great Lakes are a critical resource. They providing drinking water, recreational opportunities, and drive the region’s economy. But they are at risk.

The Great Lakes restoration and protection effort spans over fifty years. Great Lakes restoration and protection will require creative ideas and support from a wide range of stakeholders.

Learn more about Great Lakes restoration efforts below.

DC Update

January 23, 2026

Congress protects Great Lakes programs from proposed cuts

The U.S. House and Senate recently passed a significant budget package that rejects steep cuts proposed by the White House that would have slashed many federal programs essential to the health of our lakes and the people who depend on them. Ultimately, members of Congress from […]

Action Alert

December 3, 2025

Tell the U.S. EPA to Protect Our Streams and Wetlands

The U.S. EPA is proposing to weaken the Clean Water Act by eliminating protections for many streams and wetlands that feed into the Great Lakes. This would put our drinking […]

President's Message

November 6, 2025

Big Win: One of the Most Polluted Areas in the Great Lakes is Now Restored

We’re celebrating a major win: Muskegon Lake, a 4,149-acre lake that drains into the western shore of Lake Michigan, has officially been removed from the list of the most environmentally […]

Press Release

October 2, 2025

Muskegon Lake Area of Concern Delisted

CHICAGO, IL (October 2nd, 2025)  — The Alliance for the Great Lakes is celebrating the announcement that Muskegon Lake has been officially delisted as an Area of Concern. Muskegon Lake was […]

DC Update

July 17, 2025

Critical Months Ahead for the Great Lakes in Congress 

On July 4th, President Donald Trump signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” or “OBBBA.” Now that OBBBA is law, the focus in Congress turns to funding the […]

Blog

May 6, 2025

Trump Budget Proposal Slashes Federal Funding, Threatens the Great Lakes and Sets Up Showdown With Congress  

The Trump Administration’s proposed FY 2026 President’s Budget slashes federal non-defense spending and proposes steep cuts to federal programs that protect and restore the Great Lakes and the communities that […]

Press Release

May 2, 2025

Trump Budget Puts Great Lakes at Risk 

CHICAGO, IL (May 2, 2025) – Efforts to keep the Great Lakes healthy and ensure the drinking water for 40 million people is safe to consume would be deeply harmed […]

Press Release

March 4, 2025

Vital Great Lakes Fishery Research Bill Introduced in US House

WASHINGTON DC (March 4, 2025) — On Monday, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Bill Huizenga (MI-04) introduced the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act. Set to expire at the end of […]

Webinar

February 20, 2025

Report from DC: Great Lakes Issues on the National Stage

How can our representatives in Washington support the Great Lakes in 2025? Hear from members of our team who presented our recently released federal priorities to members of Congress in […]

Press Release

February 11, 2025

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Reauthorization Introduced in US Senate

WASHINGTON DC (February 11, 2025) — Today, Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Todd Young (R-IN) reintroduced in the U.S. Senate the bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of […]