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Great Lakes Protection Compact Introduced to Congress

Posted on: Wednesday, 23 July 2008, 15:00 CDT

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan introduced legislation today which would ratify a compact between the states bordering the Great Lakes and provide protection from the water being diverted in huge quantities anywhere else.

Earlier this month, Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the Great Lakes Compact, making Michigan the last of the eight states to do so. The compact -- which would set guidelines for economic development in the region and ban water from being diverted except in limited circumstances -- had been years in the works.

Levin, a Detroit Democrat, introduced the legislation today with Ohio Sen. George Voinovich, with both saying they hoped it would move quickly. In the House, Minnesota Rep. James Oberstar was introducing the ratification bill.

At a news conference this morning, senators and representatives said they hoped to get the ratification done before year's end, when a new term of Congress begins.

"This is a unique world asset ... and that means we have a special responsibility," said Levin. He added that the threat of water being diverted from the Great Lakes as fresh water resources are used up is one the region's officials "must take ... seriously."

Levin said the compact, once ratified, will give the state a firm legal basis to deny diversions if anyone tries to move water out of the region in huge amounts.

Source: Detroit Free Press

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