WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) will lead the Senate Great Lakes Task Force in the 119th Congress. Founded in 1987, the Task Force is a bipartisan working group that advocates for the protection of the Great Lakes. As Co-Chairs, Peters and Moreno will convene meetings between Great Lakes Senators and staff to coordinate legislative initiatives, funding priorities, and oversight efforts to address the most important issues facing the Great Lakes.
“The Great Lakes are essential to our economy, environment, and way of life in Michigan,” said Senator Peters. “As someone who has made protecting the Great Lakes a top priority throughout my years in public service, I’m honored to serve as Co-Chair of this important Task Force. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure we’re providing the resources necessary to keep the Great Lakes healthy and vibrant for generations to come.”
“The Great Lakes are a cornerstone of our lifestyle in the Midwest, and Lake Erie is a crucial resource for Northeast Ohio,” said Senator Moreno. “I’m grateful to serve as the Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force to protect the Great Lakes and ensure our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are able to utilize them.”
Peters has been a steadfast supporter of the Great Lakes, advocating for policies that safeguard Michigan waters, support local economies, and enhance environmental protections. Earlier this year, Peters introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2025 to reauthorize and expand resources for the GLRI program, which has carried out the most significant investment ever made to restore our Great Lakes. As Co-Chair, he will play a key role in uniting Great Lakes Basin states to address pressing issues like invasive species, environmental contamination, shoreline erosion, water quality, infrastructure needs, and more.
The Senate Great Lakes Task Force, founded in the mid-1980s, is an influential bipartisan group associated with the Northeast-Midwest Institute. The Task Force works to ensure the Great Lakes continue to thrive.
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