The diagnosis is correct, but not necessarily the prescription. The federal legislation described will someday be a top priority. Right now it still needs work.
But no one can seriously deny that saving the Great Lakes means "politically and economically unpopular decisions." Who will make them?
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"We have reached a critical juncture in the life of the Great Lakes. These precious waters and the wildlife they support are one of the most important natural resources on planet. If we do not act now to develop a far-reaching plan for restoration of the lakes, we will soon arrive at the point where there is nothing left to restore. A bill currently pending in the U.S. Congress (Senate bill 1398) directs the states to work with the federal government to restore the Great Lakes. The bill would provide $6 billion over 5 years to set the restoration process in motion. All of us should be doing our part to ensure that this bill moves through Congress rapidly and is signed into law.
The road to restoration will not be easy. To be successful it will require bold leadership, innovative thinking, and the courage to implement politically and economically unpopular decisions. "
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2005/113-3/editorial.html