The Great Lakes Compact

The Great Lakes are the world's single largest source of fresh surface water, producing 20% of the world's supply. The restoration and protection of the Great Lakes is a top concern for region's residents, officials and resource managers in all levels of government in both the United States and Canada as well as for business and environmental interest groups. As demand for fresh water grows, states and provinces surrounding the Great Lakes Basin are concerned with protecting their local resources from degradation, contamination, and the potential diversion to other parts of the country or the world. In addition, the region's primary economic activities, agriculture, auto manufacturing, steel production, shipping, commercial and sport fisheries, and recreation and tourism rely heavily on the health of the Great Lakes.

PCI Board member and Indiana State Senator Beverly Gard was instrumental in the unanimous passage of the Compact bill in that state. Indiana became the first state in February to pass the bill and its implementation measure through both champers of the state legislature. "This compact allows the states to use their sovereignty together to make sure we preserve our vital natural resource," said Gard. "The Great Lakes serves as a national driving force behind industry, energy and economic development." Gard discusses how she worked across the aisle and across chambers to ensure the bill's passage in this PCI video.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Great
• Lakes
• compact
• collaboration
• bipartisan
• Indiana
• state
• legislature
• Gard

[MrGrevy]

Gard is an embarrassment.

[prayfortruejustice]

Agenda 21