Senate approves Great Lakes compact

Talk about it

Wisconsin senators voted 26-6 Thursday to ratify the Great Lakes water protection agreement.

There’s still no guarantee the state will endorse it this year. The Assembly must still accept the plan.

Assembly Speaker Rep. Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, is still trying to get it changed.

The agreement, that’s been in the works for years, would stop dry places like Phoenix from taking some of the abundant Great Lakes water. It would also let more places close to the lakes tap in for their drinking water but if the governor of any state objects, a tap-in would be denied.

Huebsch and Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, say the veto power would hurt Waukesha’s chances of using Lake Michigan.

The agreement’s supporters say the objection would kill the whole thing. And Waukesha would be left out in the cold, while the rest of Wisconsin could say goodbye to one of its most precious resources.

Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, says the state’s economy cannot afford to let that happen.

Sen. Ted Kanavas, R-Brookfield, one of the no voters, said the bill was not ready for prime time.

Tags: wisconsinnews, greatlakescompact