Pennsylvania Lawmaker Proposes Renaming Lake Erie “Lake Pennsylvania”

On September 8, State Representative David Maloney (R-PA, 130th Legislative District, Berks County) announced a resolution urging President Donald Trump, Congress, and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to change the name of Lake Erie to “Lake Pennsylvania.” Maloney argues that the lake’s economy and identity are increasingly tied to Pennsylvania, noting that residents travel to its shores for boating, fishing, and family visits.

Newsweek

The proposal follows August 27, when President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America” after trade talks with Canada stalled. Trump has also floated the idea of renaming the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean and posted a social-media image suggesting “New America” for New Mexico. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names maintains that name changes require a compelling reason and broad support, and it generally discourages such alterations. Even if a federal change were approved, Canada’s own naming authority would retain the original name for its side of the lake.

Newsweek

Maloney cites Pennsylvania Sea Grant research indicating that the state stocked approximately 500,000 yearling steelhead in 2025, representing about 40 percent of all steelhead stocked across Lake Erie. He contends that Pennsylvania’s stewardship draws visitors from other lake-state residents, boosting tourism and supporting “world-class fishing” along the shoreline.

Newsweek

The White House did not respond to Newsweek’s request for comment. The Board on Geographic Names reiterated that any renaming would need documented public support and a clear justification, and it warned that a U.S. decision would not affect the lake’s name in Canada.

Newsweek

• “Ohio has plenty of shoreline. New York already has two Great Lakes. Canada has four others,” — State Representative David Maloney

Newsweek