GREAT LAKES PRESERVATION

Creates the Great Lakes Preservation and Protection Act. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois International Port District to submit an annual report to the General Assembly concerning ballast water in the Great Lakes. Requires the Agency and the Department of Natural Resources to offer technical assistance to the Great Ships Initiative for the purpose of accelerating the development and approval of ballast-treatment technology that is sufficient to protect the waters of the State from aquatic invasive species. Requires the Department to sample and monitor the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan for new aquatic nuisance species and report its findings annually to the General Assembly. Effective immediately.