Rep. Kaptur Joins Great Lakes Leaders in Call for Major Phosphorous Reduction

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) today reiterated her support for broad-ranging efforts to reduce nutrient loading into Lake Erie. The Congresswoman applauded the Mayors of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative for acting this week to support recommendations for a 40 percent reduction in nutrient loading into Lake Erie from all sources including agriculture, cities, and industry in the effort to restore the health of Lake Erie.

“Northern Ohio communities are better protected from harmful algal blooms today than they were a year ago, but until we cut down on nutrients flowing into the Great Lakes, algae will continue to flourish and the threat will remain,” said Rep. Kaptur. “Adding nutrient control to strategic planning, testing, and research, gives us our best chance to stop future algal blooms. I wholeheartedly endorse this call by my fellow stewards of our precious Great Lakes.”

Great Lakes scientists and the U.S.-Canada International Joint Commission have said a 40 percent reduction in nutrients is the minimum necessary to address the threat of harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie.

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