Privatizing the Lake Erie shoreline?

Environment Ohio is working in coalition with the state’s environmental and conservation leaders to stop a proposal from gaining traction that would privatize much of the Lake Erie shoreline.

The shores of Lake Erie have been publicly owned since Ohio became a state.  Enjoyed by millions of Ohioans each year, much of the shoreline may become off-limits if Sen. Tim Grendell (Chesterland) introduces a bill that would privatize much of the shore.  At issue is where private land begins and where it ends.  Some property owners and developers are arguing that they own part of Lake Erie and are backing the legislation.

“Lake Erie is an important part of our natural heritage and we will continue to work to keep the shore open for all Ohioans,” stated Erin Bowser, Environment Ohio director.

Congress moves towards a new energy future

On July 24, Environment Ohio staff released a new report, titled “Feeling the Heat,” which revealed that the average temperature of Ohio’s cities is on the rise.  

The report showed that every state in the Lower 48 experienced above-normal temperatures in 2006, making last year the second warmest year on record.  

Environment Ohio staff used the report to educate Ohio’s congressional delegation and Sens. Voinovich and Brown.  

“We need Ohio’s leaders to lead by backing a science-based policy that reduces global warming pollutants 80 percent by 2050,” said Erin Bowser.