Wisconsin is literally shaped by the Great Lakes waterways and as we look ahead to the future of Wisconsin, protecting Great Lakes must be a priority. Last week, the Wisconsin Great Lakes Compact and enabling legislation was signed into law. With that action future long-distance diversions are prohibited, there is a framework for ensuring sustainable water use in the Great Lakes basin, and Wisconsin has created the strongest environmental protections in enabling legislation.
Our state's economy and the country's economy rely heavily on the preservation of the Great Lakes. By working together with the other states and Canadian providences that border the waterway, we make a commitment to protecting not only the lakes but also the jobs that depend on them. In Wisconsin alone, the Great Lakes support more than 11,000 jobs in the state's ports. The broader economic effect is equally significant, with an estimated $55 billion in tourism for the region and $377 million in wages.
The Great Lakes contain nearly one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water supply. Many have feared that with drought stricken areas, the Great Lakes would become an emergency reservoir. An essential section of the compact involves the one-state veto power of proposed diversions of water outside the Great Lakes Basin. A governor from one state can veto a proposed diversion to communities that are located just outside of the basin. In addition, the proposal sets standards for those communities near the basin to have a reasonable opportunity to be approved for access to Great Lakes water.
Wisconsin has the second largest amount of Great Lakes shoreline. The future of that shoreline and the Great Lakes that help support our state is essential. Last week Wisconsin joined Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Indiana, Ontario, and Quebec with passage. Remaining states are Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Once ratified by all Great Lakes states, the compact needs Congressional approval.
It is my hope that the passage of the Great Lakes Compact and its enabling legislation in Wisconsin will buoy the environmental protection movement that has in the past put Wisconsin on the map as a national leader. I am proud that this issue is behind us and we can move ahead continuing to make Wisconsin an environmental forerunner. If you would like more information about the Great Lakes Compact or its enabling legislation, please contact my office at (608) 266-6670 or (888) 549-0027.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, represents the 27th Senate District, which includes Green County and portions of Dane, Rock and Lafayette counties.
Our state's economy and the country's economy rely heavily on the preservation of the Great Lakes. By working together with the other states and Canadian providences that border the waterway, we make a commitment to protecting not only the lakes but also the jobs that depend on them. In Wisconsin alone, the Great Lakes support more than 11,000 jobs in the state's ports. The broader economic effect is equally significant, with an estimated $55 billion in tourism for the region and $377 million in wages.
The Great Lakes contain nearly one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water supply. Many have feared that with drought stricken areas, the Great Lakes would become an emergency reservoir. An essential section of the compact involves the one-state veto power of proposed diversions of water outside the Great Lakes Basin. A governor from one state can veto a proposed diversion to communities that are located just outside of the basin. In addition, the proposal sets standards for those communities near the basin to have a reasonable opportunity to be approved for access to Great Lakes water.
Wisconsin has the second largest amount of Great Lakes shoreline. The future of that shoreline and the Great Lakes that help support our state is essential. Last week Wisconsin joined Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Indiana, Ontario, and Quebec with passage. Remaining states are Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Once ratified by all Great Lakes states, the compact needs Congressional approval.
It is my hope that the passage of the Great Lakes Compact and its enabling legislation in Wisconsin will buoy the environmental protection movement that has in the past put Wisconsin on the map as a national leader. I am proud that this issue is behind us and we can move ahead continuing to make Wisconsin an environmental forerunner. If you would like more information about the Great Lakes Compact or its enabling legislation, please contact my office at (608) 266-6670 or (888) 549-0027.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, represents the 27th Senate District, which includes Green County and portions of Dane, Rock and Lafayette counties.
