TheGreat Lakes Governorsthis week applauded President George W. Bush for signing a joint resolution of Congress providing consent to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. The President’s action marks the final step in the Compact’s approval process thus enabling these historic protections to become law.

"The mutual approval by the states and Congress truly indicates the importance of and immediate need for the Great Lakes Compact" noted John Walliser, Vice President of Government and Legal Affairs for thePennsylvania Environmental Council. "Without question, the ecological health of the Great Lakes is critical to the economic vitality of Pennsylvania. Lake Erie is at the heart of business and tourism for the region; the Great Lakes Compact is a comprehensive step to ensuring its long-term protection."

"Thanks to the leadership of the General Assembly, Gov. Rendell, and members of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, the Great Lakes - a globally unique resource - will be protected for generations to come" said Walliser.

In 2007 PEC, in collaboration with private and public partners, formed a stakeholders group in the Lake Erie watershed which included representatives from local business, agriculture, environmental interests and local government to help develop the adoption legislation for the Great Lakes Compact, and support its enactment in Pennsylvania.

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, Council of Great Lakes Governors Chair, said, “I applaud President Bush for his action. Together, we have taken a major step to protect the Great Lakes. I am hopeful that this historic cooperation will enable us to accelerate our future efforts.”

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm said, "I thank the President today for signing the Great Lakes Compact into law. His support ensures that the Great Lakes will remain a protected national treasure for years to come."

New York Governor David Paterson said, "I thank President Bush for carrying out the will of Congress and signing this important piece of legislation. I proudly announced the state legislation, earlier this year, that added New York State to the Great Lakes Compact. The Compact will ensure that harmful water diversions are controlled and the Great Lakes ecosystem is protected for future generations."

The Compact includes the following points:

-- Economic development will be fostered through sustainable use and responsible management of Basin waters.

-- In general, there will be a ban on new diversions of water from the Basin but limited exceptions could be allowed in communities near the Basin when rigorous standards are met.

-- Communities that apply for an exception will have a clear, predictable decision making process; standards to be met; and, opportunities to appeal decisions. These processes and standards do not exist under current law.

-- The States will use a consistent standard to review proposed uses of Basin water. The States will have flexibility regarding their water management programs and how to apply this standard.

-- Regional goals and objectives for water conservation and efficiency will be developed, and they will be reviewed every five years. Each State will develop and implement a water conservation and efficiency program that may be voluntary or mandatory.

-- There is a strong commitment to continued public involvement in the implementation of the Compact.

A broad, bi-partisan consensus has been built in support of the Compact. The Compact was developed in collaboration with regional partners who have also played a key role in its implementation. Members of Congress, Mayors, local government officials and stakeholders have all been instrumental.

The Great Lakes are a national treasure—important to our nation and the world as both an environmental and economic asset. Our national economy depends on the Great Lakes for industrial uses, hydropower, maritime commerce, agricultural irrigation and many other uses. The Great Lakes are also a globally unique and important environmental resource. The Compact will ensure that the Lakes are used sustainably in order to continue to provide benefits to us all.

Link: Gov. Rendell Signs Historic Great Lakes Compact To Protect Region's Fresh Water

10/3/2008