Bush signs Great Lakes Compact

Times of Northwest Indiana Staff Report

TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. | President Bush on Friday signed a long-debated Great Lakes Basin Compact designed to prevent water from being sent to thirsty areas while requiring the region's eight states to regulate their own water use.

It was the final step in a nearly decade-long quest to strengthen legal protections against diverting water from the system consisting of the five lakes, their connecting channels and the St. Lawrence River.

Tom Anderson, executive director of the Michigan City-based Save the Dunes Council, called the signing "great news."

"We're very happy that the compact has now passed Congress and now signed by the president, all within a year of really starting in Indiana," Anderson said. "It's a pleasant surprise."

U.S. Reps Pete Visclosky and Joe Donnelly, both Indiana Democrats, co-sponsored the bill, which the U.S. Senate passed in August with the support of U.S. Sens. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and Evan Bayh, D-Ind.

The Great Lakes contain nearly 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water and supply eight states and two Canadian provinces, which have a combined population of roughly 40 million.

The deal was negotiated by the governors and ratified by legislatures in all eight states. The Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec adopted similar policies.

The pact bans new diversions of water, with limited exceptions for communities near the basin boundary that meet rigorous requirements.

It also requires the states to adopt policies for managing water use, giving them considerable flexibility while requiring them to meet common standards. The plans could be mandatory or voluntary. Regional goals will be reviewed every five years.

Work on the compact began a decade ago when the Great Lakes governors convened a binational task force and advisory committee to respond to the threat of water diversions to Asia, according to the Chicago-based Alliance for the Great Lakes.

"This is a great day for the Great Lakes," alliance President Cameron Davis said. "What started as just a ripple in 1998 when the region beat back a Great Lakes water grab has given rise to a cascade of support for these waters both in the region and across the country."

"Now the compact begins the implementation phase in which states must launch their water conservation efforts," Davis said.

Anderson also said he is pleased to see the Great Lakes playing an increased role in this year's presidential campaign.

"With the signing of the compact, it shows the growing interest in the Great Lakes," Anderson said.