House OKs plan for Great Lakes water to stay put...

[a kennedy]

This is fantastic news for the great lakes states.....

By STAFF and WIRE REPORT

The U.S. House ratified a compact Tuesday to prevent the diversion of water from the Great Lakes, one of the world's largest sources of fresh water.

Eight Great Lakes states negotiated the compact after more than four years of talks involving business, scientific and environmental interests. Supporters said the protections against diverting water were needed to guard the lakes from future depletion.

The compact, approved on a vote of 390-25, now moves to President Bush, who has said he will sign it. The Senate approved the compact in August.

Under the pact, countries or remote states are barred from tapping into the lakes from their natural drainage basin with rare exceptions. It also requires states to regulate their own large-scale water use and promote conservation. The Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec have enacted similar measures for the lakes.


http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/congress/29654374.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUJ