| I rise today in strong support of the Bonior-Stupak-Kaptur amendment to prohibit expansion of drilling in or along the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes rank among the most precious environmental treasures in the world. The five lakes hold almost 20 percent of the fresh water in the world, and they hold almost 90 percent of the United States’ fresh water supply. The United State’s share of Great Lakes shoreline is longer than the coastlines of either the East Coast or West Coast of our nation. Furthermore, the lakes’ ecological diversity impacts ecosystems in eight states as well as much of Canada.
All five of the Great Lakes rank among the top eighteen largest lakes in the world. In fact, Lake Superior has the largest surface water of any fresh water lake in the world, and it holds more volume than all of the other Great Lakes combined. We should not put these treasures at risk for a small amount of fossil fuel.
Some colleagues want to compare drilling in the Great Lakes to drilling in ocean waters, but this line of thought compares apples to oranges.
First, the water exchange rate in the lakes is very slow, because they are essentially self-contained. A spill under these circumstances would devastate the ecology for many years, and it simply should not be risked.
Second, drilling in the lakes threatens fresh waters not salt waters, and a spill would compromise drinking water for millions.
Third, drilling in and along the lakes would yield only miniscule increases in energy supply for our nation.
When the risks are so high and rewards so low, it makes no sense to move forward with plans to implement drilling of any kind.
Finally, I wish to highlight an often-overlooked fact about Michigan’s relationship with the Great Lakes. They are the foundation of our state’s robust tourism industry. In fact, tourism is the second largest industry in our state.
Americans from throughout the Midwest and beyond come to our lakeshores for recreation and relaxation. Just as Florida fears significant negative economic consequences when fuel spills threaten her coastline, so does Michigan.
The Great Lakes supply fresh water to many. They offer recreational resources to millions. They contribute to the ecology of a significant portion of the United States. We would be foolish to endanger them.
Vote yes on this amendment. | 
