Michigan Water
Protection of the Great Lakes has finally arrived in Michigan. It didn't come easily and it isn't the perfect solution.
But legislation headed for the governor at last brings Michigan in line with surrounding states that border the Great Lakes.
Almost unanimously, the House (100-4) and Senate (37-0) passed legislation that regulates water withdrawals from the Great Lakes and other bodies of water in the state. Twenty percent of the nation's fresh water supply is contained in the Great Lakes and plenty of entities -- from Southwestern desert states to international companies and other countries -- have made waves about exporting water.
Michigan relies heavily on the natural resource for its $12.5 billion tourism industry and its own infrastructure needs and could not afford to drift along without some sort of legislation. The law, which the governor said she will sign as soon as it hits her desk, requires legislative approval for large-scale projects and stipulates that users won't cause any harm.
Bottlers, manufacturers and others that consume more than 5 million gallons a day from the Great Lakes or the rivers connecting to the lakes will need a permit. The same is true for those using more than 2 million gallons a day from other water resources in the state. Michigan Governor
February 16, 2006 6:29 AM | Category: Water