Great Lakes Commission gains official regional partnership status
In markupS. 4573Latest action
Sponsor: Gary C. Peters · Senator · MI
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Official title: Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill formally designates the existing Great Lakes Commission as a federally recognized "Regional Great Lakes Partnership."
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill officially recognizes the Great Lakes Commission as a "Regional Great Lakes Partnership" under federal law by adding it to a list of recognized regional partnerships in the National Defense Authorization Act for 2023. The commission already exists and works on water quality, environmental protection, and economic development. The bill does not create a new organization.
Who does it affect?
Residents, businesses, and governments in the eight Great Lakes states—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania—are mainly affected. Anyone interested in the region's environmental health or economy could be indirectly affected.
Why does it matter?
The designation could change the commission's eligibility for certain federal funding, resources, or coordination opportunities set aside for recognized regional partnerships.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 19, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Sep 16, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.