This summer, we have a chance to make big progress protecting Lake Erie and the rest of the Great Lakes. That's why Environment Ohio is asking our members of Congress to pass the Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act of 2010.

We want Lake Erie to be clean and healthy for future generations.

Click here to tell your members of Congress to pass the Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act of 2010.

A renewed effort for Great Lakes Protection

The Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act would provide an infusion of new resources, and the cooperation we need to stop Asian carp, clean up toxic hot spots, prevent runoff pollution, and clean up sewage in our water.

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) and Sen. George Voinovich (R) are co-sponsors.

The bill enjoys widespread bipartisan support throughout the region. But, Washington being Washington, even bipartisan support isn't enough. We need every member of our state delegation, Democrat and Republican alike, to push this through.

• Pollution creates a dead zone in Lake Erie that can grow to be 6,300 square miles in the summer -- bigger than the state of Connecticut.
  

• 24 billion gallons of sewage are discharged into the Great Lakes each year.

• Now, invasive species like the Asian carp could push the Lakes over the edge, destroying the ecosystem.

Asian carp can grow to be 5 feet long and weigh up to 100 lbs., and jump 10 feet into the air when frightened by passing motorboats, injuring boaters. They starve out native fish populations.