WASHINGTON, DC (WHTC-AM/FM) – Zeeland Congressman Bill Huizenga has announced his support for the Great Lakes Environmental Sensitivity Index Act of 2017.
The bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Dan Kildee on Thursday, September 14, would update the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps which are used for natural disaster planning and recovery, research, resource damage assessments, and habitat restoration across the Great Lakes region
The ESI maps for the Great Lakes region currently being used have not been updated since 1994, with some maps having not been updated since 1985.
Huizenga who is a weekly guest on WHTC Morning News released this following statement:
“Whether it is responding to rapidly evolving events such as a natural disaster or planning long term projects such as habitat restoration, we need to have reliable and accurate information available. Having up to date ESI maps are vital to correctly identifying vulnerable locations and establishing priorities to properly protect Michigan residents as well as the Great Lakes ecosystem.”
This legislation has bipartisan support in both the House as well as the Senate. Joining Congressman Huizenga as original cosponsors of the Great Lakes Environmental Sensitivity Index Act of 2017 are Congressman David Joyce and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell). In the Senate, Senator Gary Peters and Senator Todd Young have introduced companion legislation.
