This "open letter" to Governor Granholm from legislative Republicans makes one good point. There is a strong water export veto under federal law -- and former Governor Engler exercised it. Once. He also approved a diversion of water at Akron, Ohio. This authority is a critical measure, at least as a stopgap.
One of the authors of the letter, Senator Patty Birkholz, is a good conservationist, which makes the rest of the letter puzzling.
To contend that we should study groundwater before we pass a water conservation law is folly. Michigan has enough groundwater to study for the next 100 years. The real reason for delay on the conservation law is the head-in-the-sand resistance of lobbies that like the freedom to waste water -- and aren't thinking of their own, let alone the state's, future.
But judge for yourself:
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/gop/senator/birkholz/news/july2004/71904.pdf
Posted by Dave at July 21, 2004 04:22 PM