OPINION | Reports that White House plans to slash the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in the EPA budget by 97 percent is not only environmentally devastating but will cost jobs.

BUFFALO, NY – SEPTEMBER 29: An aerial view of Buffalo New York facing Lake Erie and Fort Erie, Canada as photographed on September 29, 2012 in Buffalo, New York. The First Niagara Center is on the far left. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)