A state legislator from Pennsylvania plans to bring forward a resolution that asks President Donald Trump to change the name of Lake Erie to Lake Pennsylvania. The move, announced on September 11, 2026, is intended as a symbolic gesture and will be presented to the state legislature for consideration.
Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes, forms part of Pennsylvania’s northern border. The proposed name change would replace the historic designation with a title that directly references the Commonwealth. The resolution is framed as an appeal to the president, seeking federal involvement in the renaming process.
The initiative does not include additional legislative measures or funding requests; it is presented solely as a request for the president’s support. By targeting President Trump, the legislator aims to bring national attention to the proposal and to highlight Pennsylvania’s connection to the lake.
While the resolution is symbolic, it reflects an effort to emphasize the state’s ties to the waterway. No specific timeline for a name change has been set, and the proposal does not outline procedural steps beyond the introduction of the resolution and the request for presidential endorsement.
The effort joins a broader pattern of symbolic actions taken by state officials to promote regional identity. As the resolution moves through the legislative process, its advancement will depend on the support of fellow lawmakers and the response of the federal administration. The outcome remains uncertain, with the name of Lake Erie continuing to be used in official maps and documents pending any official alteration.