Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 14, 2026
Bottom line
The bill seeks to statutorily protect the traditional names of the Great Lakes and immediately reverse a recent executive order that renamed Lake Ontario.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the President, the Secretary of the Interior, or any federal employee from altering the official geographic names of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. It explicitly nullifies Executive Order 14422, which had renamed Lake Ontario as "Lake America," and bans the use of federal funds to implement that executive order or any similar future action.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the Great Lakes possess profound cultural, historical, and ecological significance, and their established names must be safeguarded from arbitrary executive actions. They contend that renaming a Great Lake without Congressional input disrespects regional heritage and sets a concerning precedent for future unilateral changes to significant geographic features.
Opponents contend
Opponents, likely those who supported Executive Order 14422, might argue that the President holds the authority to designate names for federal geographic features as a symbolic act of national pride or to reflect evolving national identity. They may view this bill as an overreach by Congress into executive prerogative or as an unnecessary legislative response to a symbolic executive action.
The bill is exceptionally concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions well within any reasonable timeframe.
Section 2
Prohibition of the Renaming of the Great Lakes
This section legally prevents the President, the Secretary of the Interior, or any federal government official acting under presidential authority from changing the official names of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. It establishes a statutory barrier against any future attempts to alter these specific geographic names, ensuring their permanence.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential to protect the historical and cultural integrity of the Great Lakes, ensuring their names are not subject to political whims or unilateral executive decisions. They believe it upholds the will of the people in the region and respects long-standing traditions.
Critics contend
Critics, particularly those who advocate for executive flexibility, might argue this provision unduly restricts presidential authority over symbolic designations, potentially limiting the executive branch's ability to honor national themes through naming conventions.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for stable, historically recognized geographic names against the executive branch's potential desire for symbolic naming authority. It also reflects a tension between legislative and executive powers regarding such designations.
Section 3
Nullification of Executive Order 14422
This section explicitly declares Executive Order 14422, which renamed Lake Ontario as "Lake America," to have no legal force or effect. It further prohibits any federal official from implementing, administering, or enforcing this specific executive order or any substantially similar future executive action. Additionally, it bans the use of any federal funds for such purposes, ensuring a complete reversal.