WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) has requested comment from two federal agencies and the International Joint Commission (IJC) on the Great Lakes Compact being considered in Congress.  In letters sent today to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Trade Representative and the IJC, Stupak asked for response to concerns that have been raised regarding the commercialization of Great Lakes water and the possible applicability of international trade law if the compact were to be enacted.

“As the largest body of freshwater in the world, it is imperative that legal protection at the state and federal level work to preserve and restore the quality and quantity of Great Lakes water,” Stupak wrote.  “While I understand that a dispute of this nature has not occurred historically, I am seeking to clarify if international trade law and obligations will have any jurisdiction should we enact the compact into federal law.”

On July 9, 2008, Michigan became the last of the eight Great Lakes states to ratify the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact.  The interstate compact now requires the approval of Congress.  Resolutions to ratify the compact have been introduced in both the House and Senate.  The House Judiciary Committee passed the resolution earlier today.

“Large-scale water withdrawals are the most imminent threat to the Great Lakes,” Stupak said.  “Ratifying the compact could allow Great Lakes water to no longer be held within the public trust and instead be defined as a product for commercial use.

“I want to thoroughly understand the lasting impact this compact could have on Great Lakes water for years to come,” Stupak continued.  “It took the governors more than three years to get this done, so it is not unreasonable for Congress to take the time necessary to make sure we are not opening the door for the commercialization Great Lakes water.”

Stupak represents Michigan’s 1st Congressional District, which has more shoreline – 1,613 miles – than any other congressional district in the continental United States.  It is the only congressional district in the nation that borders three of the five Great Lakes.

Stupak’s letters to the agencies are available at: http://www.house.gov/stupak/GLCLetters.pdf 

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NOTE:  An MP3 radio actuality is available for this release at http://www.house.gov/list/hearing/mi01_stupak/20080730glcompact.mp3 or by contacting Nick Choate at 202-225-4735 or nick.choate@mail.house.gov.