News from the Michigan House this morning...a committee approved a very popular proposed Constitutional amendment (House Concurrent Resolution CC) that pretends to protect the Great Lakes, but will do nothing that current law already doesn't do.
The amendment affects no one in Michigan, and probably never will. If you want to divert Great Lakes water, you don't go to Michigan, which is in the middle of the Lakes. You go to Illinois, where a diversion exists, or Ohio, where a diversion exists, etc...
But a water conservation law -- which would really demonstrate good stewardship by Michigan and strengthen our case against diversion and export -- now that would offend industries, including manufacturing and agriculture, who would then make things difficult for legislators at future elections. So the Legislature has a choice between empty symbolism, and meaningful action. Cross your fingers.
Language of the proposed amendment below:
ARTICLE IV
Sec. 55. Except for lawful diversions existing on the effective date of this section, the waters of the Great Lakes within the boundaries of this state shall not be diverted out of the drainage basin of the Great Lakes. The legislature shall provide for the protection of the waters of the Great Lakes from diversion out of the drainage basin of the Great Lakes.
Resolved further, That the foregoing amendment shall be submitted to the people of the state at the next general election in the manner provided by law.
Posted by Dave at September 23, 2004 11:35 AM