Vast but vulnerable: Lakes under siege
An unparalleled national treasure, Lake Michigan is more than our drinking water, it provides for our economy—through shipping and manufacturing—and for our memories and the enjoyment of our lives—with waterfront parks, fishing, boating, swimming, and breathtaking scenery.
But as vast as Lake Michigan is, it is also in danger from rampant shoreline development, toxic pollution, invasive species, sewage overflows and unrestricted water withdrawals. Scientists warn that the lakes are on the verge of ecological collapse.
Working to safeguard Lake Michigan
Environment Illinois’s advocacy has helped win numerous victories for Lake Michigan, including cleaning up mercury and other industrial toxics that accumulate in the lake and stopping pollution from power plants and refineries, like BP's proposed pollution expansion in Indiana last summer.
Now Environment Illinois is working to:
