Saving Lake Michigan

Congressman Kirk introduced two pieces of legislation to control mercury pollution in our lake. Under the Mercury Pollution Reduction Act, no Clean Air Act permits would be issued for new facilities emitting mercury near Lake Michigan. "Our kids must have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan. Protecting our lake is critical to ensuring our way of life," said Kirk.

Kirk is also the original cosponsor of the Great Lakes Restoration Act that provides funding to clean up hot spots and reduce pollution near this critical ecosystem. A recent study conducted by the National Wildlife Federation found that mercury levels in rainwater failing on the North Shore had three times the naturally occurring level of mercury pollution. "I expect action on these major bills may come as early as this spring when Congress plans to debate ways to strengthen the Clean Air Act," said Kirk.

Restoring The Des Plaines River

Congressman Kirk led an expedition down the Des Plaines River to call attention to water pollution, toxic hot spots and river access for new generations of paddlers rediscovering our district's river ecosystem. Joined by representatives from the Sierra Club and local environmentalists, the congressman got a first-hand look at the river aboard a replica of Father Jacques Marquette's seventeenth century Canot du Nort (Canoe of the North). "The river is a congressional priority," said Kirk. "With nearly $5 million in funding allocated by the Army Corps of Engineers to address flooding and water quality problems."

Preserving Lakeshore Bluffs

Congressman Kirk will tell you, "We must preserve these bluffs. Only 60 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline exists within Illinois. Much is privately controlled. If we act forcefully now, we have a chance to preserve these precious two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline for the permanent enjoyment of the public." Kirk is concerned that Fort Sheridan's lakeshore bluffs and beaches will fall victim to developers who want to build high rise condominiums on them when the Navy vacates this land and turns it over to civilian control. Kirk is working with the Navy, the Open Lands Association, the Nature Conservancy, and Lake County Forest Preserve to preserve the bluffs and beaches.

Safe Removal of Nuclear Waste

As co-chairman of the Nuclear Fuel Safety Caucus, Congressman Kirk strongly supported legislation to approve the construction of a safe and technologically advanced nuclear fuel storage site in Nevada. "Lake Michigan is the source of drinking water for 25 million Americans," said Kirk. "And I will continue to lead efforts to remove a thousand tons of highly radioactive nuclear waste stored just 100 yards from her shores."

Protecting Our Forests and ANWR

Congressman Kirk voted to ban oil drilling in Alaska's Artic National Wildlife Refuge along with leases for oil and gas exploration, development, and production in ANWR. The congressman voted to restrict the use of funds to propose, finalize, or implement any change to Roadless Areas. He also cosponsored the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act and the National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act.

Congressman Kirk knows that protecting our country's environment does not stop at Lake Michigan's shores.

- Kirk voted to raise the fuel economy standards for autos. This one action will dramatically reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
- To reduce arsenic in drinking water, Congressman Kirk voted for the strictest standards.
- Congressman Kirk won approval for over $500 million to expand mass transit. These improvements will help reduce traffic gridlock and will help meet our obligations under the Clean Air Act.