The Great Lakes Compact

Midwest Environmental Advocates has engaged in a multi-year effort to protect and conserve the waters of the great lakes by advocating for the passage and implementation of the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact.

On December 13, 2005, all of the Great Lakes Governors and the Premiers of Ontario and Quebec signed the Great Lakes Compact, which establishes minimum uniform standards to protect the waters of the Great Lakes . Now it is up to the Great Lakes States and Canadian Provinces to affirm and strengthen the protections laid out in the Great Lakes Compact.

In September 2006 MEA was selected to serve on the Legislative Council's Special Committee on Great Lakes Water Resources Compact. MEA spent several years working to produce legislation to implement the Compact that would protect the Great Lakes today and for future generations.

On May 14, 2008, both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature overwhelmingly passed the Great Lakes Compact. 
Midwest Environmental Advocates has long been at the forefront of this important policy issue, working closely with legislative sponsors and stakeholders to ensure that the legislation reflect the key policy concerns of the environmental and conservation community.

The last remaining states – Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania - passed the Great Lakes Compact in July.  Shortly thereafter, it was introduced in Congress to be ratified by federal leadership.  

Victory!  On August 1st, 2008, the US Senate UNANIMOUSLY ratified the Compact. On September 23rd the House overwhelmingly passed the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact and on October 3rd the President signed the Compact into law.  We now are looking ahead toward implementing this historic agreement protecting Great Lakes waters.

MEA is excited for the actualization of the Compact and is proud of the work and commitment of all the individuals and groups that were a part of this historic undertaking.  This significant natural resources agreement will protect Great Lakes water for years to come.  Read on for more information about the current implementation process.

Bush Signs Great Lakes Compact Into Law
Press Release
October 3, 2008