Sen. Welch helps collect water samples in Mallets Bay with LCBP scientists 

COLCHESTER, VT – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined state and local leaders to unveil the Lake Champlain Basin Program Reauthorization Act, new legislation that would strengthen the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) and promote conservation efforts between Vermont, New York, and Canada. At the event, Senator Welch helped decontaminate a boat and collect water samples in Mallets Bay with LCBP scientists. 

“Climate change has made it more challenging than ever before to protect and improve water quality in Lake Champlain, a crucial water source for ecosystems and clean water in Vermont. That’s why supporting programs like the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program that work to conserve this precious natural resource is so essential,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to introduce this bill that continues the legacy of my predecessor, Senator Patrick Leahy—a champion for the Lake and our climate—and supports the work of our partners in Vermont, New York, and Québec to protect Lake Champlain for generations to come.” 

View photos from the event below:

Senator Welch was joined by Lake Champlain Basin Program Executive Director Eric Howe, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore, Lake Champlain Committee Executive Director Lori Fisher, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 Deputy Administrator Karen McGuire, and representatives from Sen. Sanders’ and Rep. Balint’s offices. 

Since 1992, the LCBP has protected the lake’s ecosystems and fostered thriving communities within the basin. LCBP brings together an international coalition of stakeholders to benefit the lake’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. Throughout its history, the program has received bipartisan support from both sides of Lake Champlain and, in 2022, was renamed after Sen. Welch’s predecessor, former Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). 

The Lake Champlain Basin Program Reauthorization Act would establish the Patrick Leahy LCBP Foundation, increase the annual authorized funding for the LCBP program to $55 million, update the program’s current guidelines to explicitly include climate change, and strengthen collaboration between the program and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission on a variety of conservation and educational activities. 

In the Senate, the Lake Champlain Basin Program Reauthorization Act is cosponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) has cosponsored companion legislation in the House. 

Learn more about the Lake Champlain Basin Program Reauthorization Act. 

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