Chambers of Commerce Ask Obama to Take Action Against Asian Carp

Twelve chambers of commerce from the Great Lakes region today sent a letter (see attached) to President Obama urging him to take immediate action to block the destructive Asian Carp from infiltrating the Great Lakes.

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The economies of the American Midwest are under serious threat by Asian Carp. These invasive species are aggressively colonizing watersheds dangerously near the Great Lakes, risking an environmental and economic catastrophe. We collectively ask for your leadership and active and immediate federal engagement in this issue. While the threat is real and immediate, prompt action by the federal government could slow, or even prevent, calamity.

Various solutions to address the Asian Carp issue have been proposed, including the closure of locks along the Chicago Area Waterways System. This proposed solution, while addressing the immediate problem of invasive species, may also have severe negative impacts on the regional economy. We believe that other options deserve careful and immediate consideration.

Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI), Senator Richard Durbin (IL) and Congressman Dave Camp (MI) have introduced the “Permanent Prevention of Asian Carp Act of 2010” (S 3553/HR 5625), which would require the Secretary of the Army to conduct a feasibility study of how to permanently separate the Mississippi River watershed from Lake Michigan in order to prevent the carp from migrating. This solution would avoid the closure of locks and also solve the problem of invasive species. A permanent separation of the waterways would allow cargo to pass through the Chicago locks, but would prevent the water itself, and any invasive species living in it, from entering Lake Michigan. We ask that you endorse this legislation and urge its swift passage.

Over the past thirty years, we have restored our Great Lakes, making them one of our nation’s most precious natural and economic resources. The federal government itself has made, and continues to make, a significant investment in the restoration process. The Great Lakes represent 20 percent of the world’s fresh water supply and simply cannot be allowed to die. Without your personal leadership on this issue at this crucial time, that dire outcome may be inevitable.

We appreciate that you share our concern for this special part of our globe, and the importance of the Great Lakes. We appreciate your leadership of our nation and understand the immense demands on your time. Our shared desire is that your leadership will be employed to prevent the environmental and economic crisis posed by Asian Carp.

Sincerely,

Andrew Rudnick
President and CEO
Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Sandy K. Baruah
President and CEO
Detroit Regional Chamber

David Ross
President & CEO
Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce

Jim Dible
President & CEO
Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

Joy Gaasch
President
Grand Haven/Ferrysburg/Spring Lake Chamber

Jeanne Englehart
President
Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

Joseph D. Roman
President and CEO
Greater Cleveland Partnership

Roland M. Dorson
President
Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce

Paul F. Jadin
President
Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Jane Clark
President
Holland Area Chamber of Commerce

Cindy Larsen
President
Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce

Douglas Luciani
President and CEO
Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce