Ann Arbor, Mich. – The Great Lakes Commission released the following statement today upon news that former U.S. Representative John Dingell passed away Thursday at the age of 92:

“Congressman John Dingell is a hero to our country and the Great Lakes. As a lifelong public servant he helped usher in many of the key environmental laws of our time, including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Air Act. Mr. Dingell was also instrumental in creating the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, the first international wildlife refuge in North America, which now spans nearly 6,000 acres of unique habitat and protects 60 kinds of fish and 300 species of migratory birds. He was a champion for the economy in Michigan and helped bring jobs and opportunity to the 12^th District and beyond. Mr. Dingell leaves an incredible legacy; we send our respectful appreciation and deepest condolences to his family.”

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The Great Lakes Commission, led by chair John Linc Stine, former commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is an interstate compact agency established under state and U.S. federal law and dedicated to promoting a strong economy, healthy environment and high quality of life for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region and its residents. The Commission consists of governors’ appointees, state legislators, and agency officials from its eight member states. Associate membership for Ontario and Québec was established through the signing of a “Declaration of Partnership.” The Commission maintains a formal Observer program involving U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, tribal authorities, binational agencies and other regional interests. The Commission office is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Learn more at www.glc.org.