Bill Mirrors Senate Legislation Supported by Coats, Lugar
Congressman Peter Visclosky (D-Ind.) and Congressman Mike Pence (R-Ind.) today introduced bicameral legislation to protect jobs and economic growth in Northwest Indiana.
Identical to Senate legislation (S.1197) introduced by Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) and co-sponsored by Senator Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) last month, the Visclosky-Pence bill would require the Army Corps of Engineers to work with federal, state and local agencies and stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive economic impact statement prior to any major federal action that could affect commercial activity in the Chicago Area Water System (CAWS).
Some policymakers in Washington have called for closing the CAWS or reversing the flow of the Chicago River to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes. The CAWS is the sole marine transportation route between the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Michigan.
“This legislation ensures that our voice is heard in the development of any plan that could impede economic development and the flow of commerce in our region,” said Visclosky. “I am proud to join my colleagues from Indiana in introducing this measure.”
“Asian Carp pose a real but manageable threat to the Great Lakes,” said Pence. “It is a threat that deserves the continued attention of this Congress, the Administration and the states within the Great Lakes region, but closing the Chicago Area Water System is not the solution. It would have a devastating effect on Hoosier jobs and the ports of Indiana.”
“I am pleased Congressmen Visclosky and Pence have joined the effort to ensure the federal government does not unnecessarily punish Hoosier jobs and the ports of Indiana,” said Coats. “As federal and local officials work to prevent Asian carp from reaching Lake Michigan, our legislation makes certain Hoosiers are included in discussions and Indiana jobs are protected."
“We must continue to balance our environmental efforts in keeping Asian carp out of Lake Michigan while also protecting the economic viability of Northwest Indiana,” said Lugar. “This legislation accomplishes our mutual goal. I applaud Congressmen Pence and Visclosky for introducing legislation in the House ensuring our Hoosier economy is not disrupted by bureaucrats in Washington.”
Under the legislation, the Corps will release the economic impact statement to the public to ensure that communities, individuals and businesses are able to review any federal plans and how it might impact them. The economic impact statement would evaluate the effect of proposed federal action on jobs and commercial activity in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area and bring to light any adverse impacts to public or private property, including flooding or other changes to water drainage patterns.
Large scale Indiana employers, in addition to many smaller companies, reliant on the CAWS include the BP Whiting Refinery, the Safety-Kleen Refinery, ArcelorMittal Steel Indiana Harbor, ArcelorMittal Steel Burns Harbor and U.S. Steel.
