Great Lakes Diversion
The Great Lakes governors are expected to sign a new set of rules Tuesday tightening diversions from the world's largest freshwater system. This ceremony might signal only the beginning, not the end, of the fight over the future of who controls the Great Lakes and water diversions.
If all eight governors do sign the new rules during a two-day meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - there is no guarantee that they will - those rules must still be approved by each of the eight Great Lakes state legislatures. Then Congress must sign off on the eight-state agreement, which can be a long process.
A no vote from any governor, legislature or Congress could undo the four years of work that has already gone into writing new rules intended to ensure the Great Lakes and their watersheds aren't diminished - or diverted - to benefit areas outside the region.
December 12, 2005 1:42 AM | Category: Politics