Great Lakes plan raises diversion fears

[CHIMO]

TORONTO - A U.S.-Canada body that regulates water use in the Great Lakes has proposed new rules that could open the door to large diversions to the U.S., experts fear.

The Council of Great Lakes Governors, which represents eight states, Ontario and Quebec, said it has proposed rules that will:

Require any new or increased diversions from the lakes to improve the environment.
Use a "uniform, resource-based decision making standard" to assess proposals for new or increased water uses.
Make decisions collectively about new water uses in Great Lakes regions.
"This is a giant step toward protecting, conserving, restoring and improving the Great Lakes Basin and reflects the governors and premiers commitment to work together for the long-term benefit and protection of this precious natural resource," the council's website says.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/09/19/lakes040919.html

We really need those green golf courses in the desert.