[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 93 (Friday, June 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1283-E1284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2001

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2311) making 
     appropriations for energy and water development for the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 2002, and for other 
     purposes:

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the 
Bonior-Stupak-Kaptur amendment to prohibit expansion of drilling in or 
along the Great Lakes.
  The Great Lakes rank among the most precious environmental treasures 
in the world. The five lakes hold almost 20 percent of the fresh water 
in the world, and they hold almost 90 percent of the United States' 
fresh water supply. The United State's share of Great Lakes shoreline 
is longer than the coastlines of either the East Coast or West Coast of 
our nation. Furthermore, the lakes' ecological diversity impacts 
ecosystems in eight states as well as much of Canada.
  All five of the Great Lakes rank among the top eighteen largest lakes 
in the world. In fact, Lake Superior has the largest surface water of 
any fresh water lake in the world, and it holds more volume than all of 
the other Great Lakes combined. We should not put these treasures at 
risk for a small amount of fossil fuel.
  Some colleagues want to compare drilling in the Great Lakes to 
drilling in ocean waters, but this line of thought compares apples to 
oranges.
  First, the water exchange rate in the lakes is very slow, because 
they are essentially self-contained. A spill under these circumstances 
would devastate the ecology for many years, and it simply should not be 
risked.
  Second, drilling in the lakes threatens fresh waters not salt waters, 
and a spill would compromise drinking water for millions.
  Third, drilling in and along the lakes would yield only miniscule 
increases in energy supply for our nation.
  When the risks are so high and rewards so low, it makes no sense to 
move forward with plans to implement drilling of any kind.
  Finally, I wish to highlight an often overlooked fact about 
Michigan's relationship with the Great Lakes. They are the foundation 
of our state's robust tourism industry. In fact, tourism is the second 
largest industry in our state.
  Americans from throughout the Midwest and beyond come to our 
lakeshores for recreation and relaxation. Just as Florida fears 
significant negative economic consequences when fuel

[[Page E1284]]

spills threaten her coastline, so does Michigan.
  The Great Lakes supply fresh water to many. They offer recreational 
resources to millions. They contribute to the ecology of a significant 
portion of the United States. We would be foolish to endanger.
  Vote yes on this amendment.

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