Madison- With the signature of Governor Doyle today, Wisconsin approves the Great Lakes Compact, an
agreement between eight state governors and two Canadian provinces not to divert water outside of the Great
Lakes Region.
“The Great Lakes provide Wisconsin residents with abundant recreational opportunities, they support strong
industry and foster tourism,” said Melissa Malott, Water Program Director at Clean Wisconsin. “The need
for their protection is evident, and we applaud the leadership of Governor Doyle, Senator Miller and
Representative Gunderson in taking an important step toward ensuring clean and bountiful Great Lakes exist
for future generations to enjoy.”
The Great Lakes contain nearly one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water supply. With populated arid and
drought-stricken regions seeking alternatives to supplement their local water supply, many feared the Great
Lakes would become an emergency reservoir.
Clean Wisconsin has been working since 2001 to create and pass the Great Lakes Compact, from working at
the international and regional level, to working with state stakeholders to help draft implementing language
in Wisconsin.
“The Great Lakes Compact represents years of hard work and careful compromise,” said Mark Redsten,
executive director of Clean Wisconsin, the state’s largest environmental advocacy organization. “The
passage of the Compact is a victory for all Wisconsinites. It is an important step in protecting the Great
Lakes, our economy and our way of life,” he said.
The Great Lakes Compact requires the legislative approval of all eight Great Lakes states. Minnesota,
Illinois, Indiana, New York, and now Wisconsin have approved the interstate compact. Ohio is expected to
approve the Compact later this week, and Michigan and Pennsylvania have Compact legislation pending.
Once all the Great Lakes states have passed the Compact, it will go to the US Congress for consent, at which
time it will be binding.
Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy organization, protects Wisconsin’s clean water and air and advocates for clean
energy by being an effective voice in the state legislature and by holding elected officials and corporations accountable. Founded
in 1970 as Wisconsin’s Environmental Decade, Clean Wisconsin exposes corporate polluters, makes sure existing environmental
laws are enforced, and educates citizens and businesses. On behalf of its 10,000 members and its coalition partners, Clean
Wisconsin protects the special places that make Wisconsin such a wonderful place to live, work and play. Phone: 608-251-7020,
Fax: 608-251-1655, Email: information@cleanwisconsin.org, Website: www.cleanwisconsin.org.