Environmental groups take Great Lakes safety to Illinois politicians

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Groups concerned about the safety of the Great Lakes are taking their case to Illinois political leaders.

The groups went to the Thompson Center to deliver a letter to Governor Pat Quinn Tuesday. They want to ban shipping of toxic products and by products of what they call "extreme energy." That includes nuclear waste as well as fracked oil and gas.

"In the coming years of worsening climate change, our precious fresh water in the Great Lakes will become even more important, and we must protect it like gold," said Lora Chamberlain, Frack-Free Illinois. "It is a blessing for the 40 million people who depend on it for their drinking water."

The coalition of environmental and citizens groups is also taking its case to Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk.