2022 State of the Great Lakes

Established in 1970, the United States Environmental Protection Agency is the leading federal agency working to protect public health, as well as maintain and restore critical watersheds like the Great Lakes. Currently executing on President Biden's Build Back Better agenda, the U.S. EPA is providing critical support to communities addressing long standing lead contamination in the environment and aging infrastructure. This is part of the agency’s historic commitment to environmental justice. The Biden-Harris Administration has put forth a Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, where a host of agencies across the federal government are applying the historic resources secured under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to reduce exposure to lead pollution, with a priority on underserved communities.

Home to fully 20 percent of the world's fresh water, the Great Lakes watershed is one of Ohio's greatest natural assets. Shared with eight U.S. states, two Canadian provinces, and multiple sovereign tribal nations, its health has an impact on the lives of tens of millions throughout North America. From drinking water to shipping channels, fisheries, agriculture, and food production, the Great Lakes make life possible. And, as society adapts to climate change, the watershed continues to be a source of stability and indicator of our capacity to thrive in the future.

Michael Regan is the 16th Administrator of the EPA. A North Carolina native, Administrator Regan is the first Black man and second person of color to lead the EPA. He has previously worked for the state of North Carolina and the Environmental Defense Fund.

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