On Monday the House began debate on a bill that would ban nearly any diversion of water from the Great Lakes' natural basin to places outside of the region. The measure is intended to calm any fears that states or foreign countries hurting for water could tap into the large body of fresh water, in turn causing long-term damage to the basin. The bill, known as the Great Lakes Compact, would also put in strict conservation rules for the eight states bordering the lakes. The measure is expected to win House approval, maybe even as soon as Tuesday. It has already been passed in the Senate, and President Bush has also signalled his support. Many advocates throughout the Midwest and New York see House approval as a final piece in a complex puzzle, whose solution began to take shape a decade ago in an effort to give the region control over its own water supply. The fear had been that without comprehensive rules over who was entitled to the water, it could start to disappear. read more ...
Anytime
On Monday the House began debate on a bill that would ban nearly any diversion of water from the Great Lakes' natural basin to places outside of the region. The measure is intended to calm any fears that states or foreign countries hurting for water could tap into the large body of fresh water, in turn causing long-term damage to the basin. The bill, known as the Great Lakes Compact, would also put in strict conservation rules for the eight states bordering the lakes. The measure is expected to win House approval, maybe even as soon as Tuesday. It has already been passed in the Senate, and President Bush has also signalled his support. Many advocates throughout the Midwest and New York see House approval as a final piece in a complex puzzle, whose solution began to take shape a decade ago in an effort to give the region control over its own water supply. The fear had been that without comprehensive rules over who was entitled to the water, it could start to disappear. read more ...