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Monday, June 30, 2008
Environment - "Congress now focus of Great Lakes compact"
John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer, reports today:
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. | A year ago, it seemed a proposed compact designed to prevent raids on the Great Lakes might be sunk by squabbles in the states with jurisdiction over nearly one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water.Now the deal is close to ratification on the state level, and supporters are beginning to plot strategy for the final step: winning approval from Congress and the White House.
On the surface, the task would appear easy. Congress has endorsed more than 200 interstate compacts over the years, including 41 dealing specifically with water management. They regulate use of some of the nation's primary water sources, such as the Colorado and Delaware rivers. * * *
But backers remain wary. After all, it was fear of water grabs from other sections of the country -- or even from overseas -- that inspired the eight states to negotiate their deal. * * *
[Before the Compact goes to Congress] approval is needed from the region's eight state legislatures. Minnesota quickly said yes, followed by Illinois, Indiana and New York. Gov. Ted Strickland, of Ohio, signed the bill Friday and Jennifer Granholm, of Michigan, has pledged to sign her state's bill. When she does, the focus will turn to Pennsylvania, where the compact cleared the House in January and is pending in the Senate.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on June 30, 2008 09:01 AM
Posted to Environment