Washington, August 28: President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing the federal government to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America. He cited the lake’s economic significance and America’s crucial role in protecting the Great Lakes.
The executive order instructs the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate with the Federal Board on Geographic Names to complete the renaming process within 30 days.
This order applies only to names used by the U.S. federal government. Lake Ontario is a shared body of water between the United States and Canada, with the border running through it.
In the order, Trump stated, “The United States is the largest steward of the Great Lakes, which includes the water body currently known as Lake Ontario.”
He added, “Without U.S. security and investment, this freshwater system would not be as open for shipping, recreation, and responsible use as it is today.”
Trump claimed that nine out of eleven ice-breaking vessels operating in the Great Lakes are run by the U.S. Coast Guard, which keeps commercial shipping routes open at no charge.
He noted that the U.S. has invested nearly $4 billion in protecting the Great Lakes’ freshwater ecosystem over the past decade, while Canada has invested significantly less in similar programs.
However, the order did not provide any figures related to Canadian investment. Trump asserted that the deepest parts of the lake are located in U.S. territory and claimed that the U.S. has rights over most of the lake’s water resources. The order describes Lake Ontario as a vital part of America’s exploration, settlement, trade, and defense history.
It mentions Oswego, New York, which has historically been an important fort and the first U.S. port for ships coming through the St. Lawrence Seaway. The order also references shipbuilding and naval operations at Sackets Harbor during the War of 1812.
The White House stated that the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system supports not just millions but hundreds of thousands of jobs in the U.S., generating billions of dollars in economic activity, freight, and trade income each year.
This waterway facilitates the transportation of iron ore, limestone, coal, agricultural products, and other bulk goods.
According to the order, the lake’s water is also utilized in nuclear, natural gas, and oil-powered electricity plants, providing drinking water to surrounding communities.
Trump emphasized, “This lake will continue to play a vital role in shaping America’s future and the global economy.”
He concluded, “Given this rich economic resource and its significant contributions to our economy and citizens, I direct that the official name of this lake be changed to Lake America.”
The board is also instructed to ensure that all government departments and federal agencies use the name “Lake America” in maps, contracts, documents, and official communications.
However, the order does not mandate Canada, the province of Ontario, international organizations, or private map providers to adopt the new name. It also states that the name change will be implemented according to existing laws and available budgets.
Leave a Comment