For Immediate Release
(202) 224-5653

KOHL HAILS GREAT LAKES COMPACT RATIFICATION

House Approves Historic Agreement to Protect Freshwater Bodies

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, US Senator Herb Kohl issued the following statement on Congress ratifying the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact after the historic agreement was approved in the House of Representatives.  The Compact is a treaty among the eight Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario to protect and preserve the largest freshwater bodies in the world.  It bans new or increased diversions outside the Great Lakes Basin, promotes efficient water use and minimizes waste.  The Senate approved it on Aug. 1.

 

"This is great news.  The people of Wisconsin rely on the Great Lakes for drinking water, jobs, energy, shipping and recreation," Kohl said.  "By taking this final step to ratify the Compact, we will protect the health and welfare of the Great Lakes for ourselves and future generations."

###