The president-elect has vowed to defund the Environmental Protection Agency, and some advocates are concerned about his commitment to the environment.
Opinions are varied about what a Trump presidency will mean for the future of the great lakes.
Aryeh Alex, director of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, says, "We are very disappointed. I think it's a setback for the work that we, not only as a state, country, and world need to face."
Alex says he concerned the next administration will undo some of their environmental progress.
But not everyone is convinced this election brings bad news. Tim Eder is the executive Director of the Great Lakes Commission and says, "I don't think that there will be as dramatic impacts as some people may be speculating."
Eder says aging infrastructure might get more attention under a Trump administration. And he believes Trump will continue to support historically bipartisan programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Jill Jedlicka with the Buffalo Niagra Riverkeeper says advocating for the Great Lakes is a struggle no matter who is president.
"It's always been a challenge to prioritize scarce resources and redirect them when the nation has multiple important priorities," Jedlicka says. "We have to fight, and we have to make the argument that a restored and healthy environment is good for the economy."
Great Lakes Today is a collaboration of WBFO Buffalo, ideastream Cleveland and WXXI Rochester.
