Predictably, Dawson Bell of the Detroit Free Press touts the Republican Party line in today's editions, dismissing the idea of water conservation legislation.
http://www.freep.com/news/mich/lakes13_20040713.htm
He's right about one thing -- the Great Lakes protection pledge unveiled by Democrats yesterday is a stunt. But it's far from meaningless. And it's certainly better than "more study," the Republican answer.
Somehow people are forgetting Michigan pledged to pass a law like this in 1985, via the Great Lakes Charter.
Even more importantly, Michigan is a huge water waster. Yet we expect Illinois, let alone Texas, to respect us when we say "no" to Great Lakes water exports?
Republicans and Democrats need to put the posing aside. Here's a three-point plan: 1) A statewide water conservation program built on both education and financial incentives, and ultimately, binding limits on water withdrawal and consumption. We all need to develop a water conservation ethic in Michigan. 2) Vigorous defense of Michigan's right to veto water exports under the federal Water Resources Development Act. 3) A stronger partnership with Ontario, which also has reason to resist water exports. Joint research on the effects of lowered water levels, and a pact between the two jurisdictions to be great stewards of the lakes would be a good start.
Oh, and no more water bottling operations in Michigan, either.
Posted by Dave at July 13, 2004 08:37 AM