Great Lakes Ecology Protection Act of 2003

The Great Lakes Ecology Protection Act of 2003 (H.R. 989) aims to protect the Great Lakes ecosystem by strengthening regulations on how ships manage their ballast water. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish new requirements for environmentally sound treatment methods to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic species, such as zebra mussels, which can damage local infrastructure and disrupt native wildlife. For citizens, this legislation is designed to preserve the water quality and ecological health of the Great Lakes, supporting the regional fishing, boating, and tourism industries while ensuring the public has a voice in the rulemaking process.