Great Lakes

Here in Michigan, we know the Great Lakes are central to our state's identity and way of life, and as a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, I remain committed to working with my colleagues in a bipartisan fashion to advance and protect the Great Lakes, ensuring they can be enjoyed by future generations.

The Great Lakes are threatened by an encroaching non-native species of fish referred to as Asian carp. Reports of an Asian carp found above the electronic barrier in the Chicago Area Waterway System as well as evidence of environmental DNA in Lake Erie confirm the immediate threat faced by the Great Lakes from this invasive species. The introduction of this invasive species would have a destructive effect on the entire Great Lakes ecosystem and would inflict severe harm to this treasured natural resource. 

We must pursue immediate and long-term solutions for addressing Asian carp. In August 2017, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released the Brandon Road Study to provide a roadmap on how best to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. The Brandon Road Interbasin Project, a joint project between the federal government and the states of Illinois and Michigan, would implement recommendations from the study to prevent invasive carp from migrating from the Mississippi River basin into Michigan.

In order to further protect the Great Lakes from invasive species, I introduced the Aquatic Invasive Species Control & Prevention Act. This critical legislation would modernize federal AIS authorities to better prevent, control, and eradicate aquatic invasive species. By streamlining coordination and prioritizing prevention and rapid response, we can better protect fisheries, boating access, water infrastructure, and outdoor recreation economies and reduce the need for long-term control and cleanup.

I have also co-led bipartisan efforts to protect our fisheries by mass marking fish raised in our national hatcheries and combating threats like invasive mussels. As a member of the Natural Resources Committee, I also introduced legislation to effectively manage double-crested cormorant populations that have wreaked havoc on fish stocks in the Great Lakes.

To ensure the long-term health of the Great Lakes, I introduced the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act, to encourage states throughout the Great Lakes Basin to develop voluntary agricultural assurance programs to promote conservation and minimize agricultural pollution risks. 

Additionally, in December 2024, I supported the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), bipartisan legislation that provides for improvements to the Nation’s ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other integral water resources infrastructure projects. WRDA authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct projects improving water infrastructure that will promote and facilitate commerce throughout our country and our state. 

I am also a strong supporter of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which helps ensure we will have healthy Great Lakes for generations to come. In 2026, I voted in favor of, and the House passed the American Water Stewardship Act, which would reauthorize funding for several long-standing programs to maintain and improve water quality throughout the nation, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

To further boost funding for the GLRI, I introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Semipostal Stamp Act. This bipartisan legislation would create a special postage stamp with Great Lakes artwork, where proceeds would go to the GLRI fund at no additional cost to taxpayers. 

VIDEOS

07/21/2026 – Walberg Discusses His Legislation to Combat Invasive Species in the Great Lakes
07/24/2025 – Walberg Speaks on Preserving the Health of Great Lakes Fisheries
06/12/2025 – Walberg Discusses Invasive Carp with Secretary Burgum 

LEGISLATION

06/10/2026 – Cosponsored: H.R. 9250 - Great American Outdoors Act 250
05/09/2026 – Sponsored: H.R. 8876 - Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act
04/02/2026 – Sponsored: H.R. 8195 - Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act
11/17/2025 – Cosponsored: H.R. 6053 - Save Great Lakes Fish Act
03/06/2025 – Cosponsored: H.R. 1917 - Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act