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Press Release

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2008
Contact: Sean C. Bonyun
(202) 225-3761

Upton Hails House Passage of Great Lakes Compact – Measure Clears Final Hurdle
Compact now heads to the President for enactment

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph), a member of the Great Lakes Caucus, applauded today’s House passage of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact, S.J.Res.45.  In 2005, the Great Lakes Governors in collaboration with regional partners completed the negotiation of the compact to protect the Great Lakes and sustainably manage this shared resource.  The U.S. Senate approved the compact on August 1st, and with today’s approval by the House of Representatives, the measure heads to the President for enactment.  The measure passed by a vote of 390 to 25.

“The Great Lakes Compact is a remarkable collaboration between eight states, two Canadian provinces and hundreds of local, state and federal officials – all who have come together on a broad, bipartisan consensus to put our beloved Great Lakes first and foremost,” said Upton, who was a cosponsor of the compact.  “With today’s vote, the Great Lakes Compact clears its final hurdle and with its imminent enactment, we will soon ensure the vitality of one of the globe’s greatest natural resources – our beloved Great Lakes – for future generations to cherish and enjoy.  Working together, we will preserve the integrity of our waters and also prohibit the diversion of even a drop of water without the consent of all parties involved.”

The Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and the Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have all ratified the compact in their respective legislatures.  Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm signed the compact on July 9th.

Growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan, Upton has an extensive history of working to protect Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes watershed.  In the summer of 2007, Upton joined with the citizens of southwest Michigan and public officials from surrounding communities and states to prevent British Petroleum’s attempts to increase dumping of discharged hazardous materials into Lake Michigan at their Whiting, Indiana facility.

The nation’s economy depends on the Great Lakes for industrial operations, hydropower, maritime commerce, recreation, irrigation, and many other uses.  The reauthorization of the Great Lakes Legacy Act and the approval of the Great Lakes Compact will ensure that the lakes are clean and used sustainably for future generations to enjoy. 

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