Support H.R.284 / S.528

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025 (H.R.284 / S.528)

Introduced: February 11, 2025

Sponsor: Senate Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

Purpose: To reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) through fiscal year 2031, supporting programs and projects aimed at protecting and restoring the Great Lakes.

This bill has been introduced in Congress, but has not yet become law. It is being reviewed, debated, and possibly amended by committees and lawmakers.

It is bipartisan, meaning that it is supported by both major parties, Democrats and Republicans. The bill has bipartisan reauthorization bills introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives to extend the GLRI Program beyond its 2026 expiration. The proposed legislation aims to reauthorize the program through 2031 and increase its annual funding from $475 million to $500 million. These bills would extend the program through 2031, ensuring ongoing environmental restoration efforts.

Each year, the program would receive $500 million instead of $475 million. This allows for more projects, cleanup efforts, and restoration initiatives in the Great Lakes region.

The most recent update of the bill in August was that the Congress is considering bills to keep the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative running through 2031 and give it slightly more funding annually. The program isn’t law yet; it must still pass both the Senate and House, and be signed by the President.

There are no specific actions or updates recorded for this bill in the month of August. But, on August 1st the bill was referred to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Since then, it has remained in the committee without any additional hearings, amendments, or votes. 

This bill would  increase funding, and support projects that clean up toxic hotspots and polluted waterways, control invasive species, restore wetlands, coastal areas, and habitats, and improve water quality and ecosystem health. 

GLRI is important because it protects a vital freshwater resource—the Great Lakes contain 20% of the world’s surface freshwater. It supports biodiversity with restoration projects that protect fish, birds, and native plants while controlling invasive species. It boosts local communities and prevents environmental damage. 

Without ongoing restoration, pollution and habitat loss could worsen, impacting millions of people and wildlife. 

Historical Context

The GLRI was first launched in 2010 and has since removed 10 toxic hotspots and restored thousands of acres of wetlands.

Over $3.8 billion has been invested since inception. 

Time Sensitivity

GLRI funding expires September 30, 2026, so the bill needs to pass before FY2026 appropriations deadlines. 

Specific Benefits of the Bill

Jobs and Economy: Every $1 invested returns $3.35 in economic benefits (tourism, shipping, fisheries).

Public Health: Reduces toxins like PCBs and mercury in drinking water.

Climate Resilience: Helps mitigate flooding and erosion from extreme weather.

Risks if Delayed

Funding Gaps: Projects could stop mid-way, leading to higher future costs.

Why People Should Care Right Now

The Great Lakes are at risk. Pollution, invasive species, and habitat destruction are accelerating. Without continued funding, toxic hotspots could worsen, threatening drinking water for 30 million people. Every year the GLRI program is not reauthorized, ecosystems degrade further. Wetlands could be lost, fish populations could collapse, and shoreline communities could suffer severe economic losses.

Rising temperatures and extreme storms already stress the Great Lakes. Without restoration programs, flooding, erosion, and water contamination will intensify, impacting millions.

Funding expires in 2026. If Congress doesn’t act now, local and federal restoration efforts will stall, and recovery may take decades or never fully succeed.

Who Supports This Bill

  • Bipartisan coalition of Great Lakes lawmakers in both Senate & House

  • Environmental groups: Alliance for the Great Lakes, Ducks Unlimited

  • Businesses & local governments in MI, OH, WI, IL, IN, MN, PA, NY

Opponents of this Bill

As of now, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025 (S.528/H.R.284) doesn’t have major, organized opponents in Congress because it’s a bipartisan environmental protection bill.

However, some potential concerns or indirect opposition could come from:

Fiscal Conservatives / Budget Hawks:

  • Some lawmakers who prioritize reducing federal spending may object to the $500 million annual funding for GLRI.

Industries Impacted by Restoration Projects:

  • Certain agriculture, manufacturing, or development groups may raise concerns if specific restoration projects affect land use, water rights, or impose new environmental regulations.

Regional Politics:

  • While support is generally strong among Great Lakes states, lawmakers from outside the region may question federal spending on projects perceived as “regional” rather than national priorities.

Public Engagement / What People Can Do

  1. Contact local representatives to urge support.

  2. Participate in Great Lakes advocacy groups.

  3. Raise awareness on social media using #GreatLakesRestoration.