Senate to hold hearing on Great Lakes compact
7/29/2008WASHINGTON - The Senate Judiciary Committee this week takes up a compact to prevent the diversion of water from the Great Lakes, one of the world's largest sources of fresh water.
Lawmakers from Illinois and eight other Great Lakes states unveiled legislation last week they hope will get congressional approval.
The agreement prevents remote states or countries from tapping into the lakes from the natural drainage basin with rare exceptions. It also requires the states to regulate their own large-scale water uses and promote conservation.
The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
In a statement Monday night President Bush urged Congress to approve the compact.