Washington, D.C.  -  Today, U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) joined members of the Great Lakes Task Force in unveiling bipartisan, bicameral legislation to give congressional consent to the Great Lakes- St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact.

“From recreation to tourism to transportation, the Great Lakes have served as a vital resource to the health and wealth of our regional economy, helping local businesses to grow and bring new jobs to our area,” said English, an original cosponsor of the legislation.  “By ratifying this Compact we will build upon the success of our treasured natural resource and ensure bordering states have access to the tools they need to protect, preserve and manage our shared watershed, the Great Lakes.”

Compacts between U.S. states have long been implemented to manage shared water resources.  In December 2005, the Council of Great Lakes Governors (CGLC), a partnership of the eight Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin) and the Canadian provincial premiers of Ontario and Quebec, completed a new common conservation standard, known as the Great Lakes Compact.  The Compact, which will manage water diversions, withdrawals and consumptive use proposals, has been approved by the eight state legislatures, and it now must be consented by the U.S. Congress to achieve full force and effect as an interstate compact.

“After nearly five years of negotiation, the Great Lakes Compact is a well-thought-out proposal that strikes the right, delicate balance of ensuring the environmental and economic needs of our region are met,” English said. “Final approval of this Compact will send a strong signal to the Great Lakes states that this Congress is committed to restoring and preserving one of the nation’s greatest natural resources.”

An active member of the Great Lakes Task Force, English has long advocated for policies that seek to protect the environmental integrity of Lake Erie and the four other Great Lakes. 

*Summary of the Great Lakes- St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact follows:

The Great Lakes- St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact
Major Points

• Economic development will be fostered through sustainable use and responsible management of Basin waters.

• In general, there will be a ban on new diversions of water from the Basin but limited exceptions could be allowed in communities near the Basin when rigorous standards are met.

• Communities that apply for an exception will have a clear, predictable decision making process; standards to be met; and opportunities to appeal decisions.  These processes and standards do not exist under current law.

• The States will use a consistent standard to review proposed uses of Basin water.  The States will have flexibility regarding their water management programs and how to apply this standard.

• Regional goals and objectives for water conservation and efficiency will be developed, and they will be reviewed every five years.  Each State will develop and implement a consistent water conservation and efficiency program that may be voluntary or mandatory.

• There is a strong commitment to continued public involvement in the implementation of the Compact.

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