Minnesotans fight invasive species

There's still more to report from Great Lakes Day in Washington, DC. As I write this, people are lobbying on the Hill to tell their legislators what the Great Lakes need.

Some common sense advice for lobbying all day? Wear comfy shoes! says one Minnesota advocate.

I listened in yesterday as Great Lakes supporters from Minnesota prepared for their visits. They'll be pushing for Great Lakes restoration and specifically the passage of the ballast water bill--legislation that could deal a blow to invasive species that find their way into the Lakes on ocean-going ships and cost the region billions of dollars as they wreak havoc on native fish, beaches, power plants, and municipal water infrastructure.

Minnesotans will be extending a big thanks to their own Rep. Oberstar, one of the longest-serving members of the House and a long-time Great Lakes champion as well.

Oberstar is the co-author of the critical ballast water bill that will be voted on in the House next week. Passing a strong ballast water bill that regulates how ships empty and clean their ballast tanks and ensures that there's strong enforcement and oversight is key to the health of the Great Lakes, say supporters.