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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Chicago District, was directed by Congress
to conduct a study on the "known and potential environmental effects of oil and gas drilling activity in the Great Lakes."
Potential oil and gas source rocks are present beneath Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, and
throughout the Great Lakes Basin.
Oil and gas production currently occurs
in each of the Great Lakes States except Minnesota and Wisconsin, where it is believed
that there are little or no oil or gas
reserves. Oil and gas resources under the Great Lakes have been accessed in Canada, and to a limited degree in the
United States.
Drilling for oil and gas under the Great Lakes has been the subject of much debate and legislation in the United States.
Currently,
a federal ban prohibits all new leases and permits for oil and gas drilling under the Great Lakes (Energy and Policy Act
of 2005).
The final report was submitted to Congress in March 2006. USACE Chicago District presented a briefing to Congress
on this study in May 2006. Additional information on this study including the final report and Congressional briefing
are available to the public via this website.
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