[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     GREAT LAKES--ST. LAWRENCE RIVER BASIN WATER RESOURCES COMPANT

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                               speech of

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, as a co-chairman of the Congressional Great 
Lakes Task Force I am pleased to rise in support of S.J. Res. 45, the 
Great Lakes--St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. This 
bipartisan legislation, supported by the Council of Great Lakes 
Governors, the Great Lakes Commission, Alliance for the Great Lakes and 
more, would implement a host of water conservation and transparency 
measures that will limit water diversions and encourage responsible, 
sustainable water use. A state-by-state approach will not solve the 
problem--S.J. Res. 45 is a comprehensive, regional solution to prevent 
the selling off of our most important natural resource.
  The Great Lakes are among the Nation's most precious natural 
resources. As the world's largest freshwater system, the lakes provide 
food, recreation, drinking water, and jobs for nearly 40 million 
people. Yet the Great Lakes face a number of threats, ranging from 
sewage and industrial pollution to invasive species and decreasing 
water levels. These hazards threaten not only the ecosystem and water 
supply, but also the long-term economic stability of the entire 
Midwest.
  Studies document that lake levels have been on the decline since the 
1970s. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the Great Lakes are 
now a combined 3.5 feet below their long-term average. Many factors are 
believed to contribute to the declining levels, including increasing 
air and water temperatures which reduce the ice cover of the lakes and 
result in faster evaporation during winter. In fact, the National 
Wildlife Federation estimates that the lakes could drop up to 8 feet 
this century if action is not taken.
  While Congress can take steps to help mitigate the effects of global 
warming, Great Lakes states must regulate water use. We run the risk 
that without water diversion safeguards, the drop in lake levels could 
continue--we must set standards to responsibly manage water use. In 
1998, the Canadian Nova Group tried to ship Lake Superior water in bulk 
to Asia. Last October, then-Presidential candidate Bill Richardson 
suggested that western states use Great Lakes water to meet their 
growing water demand. Clearly, the desire to seize Great Lakes water 
exists, and we must prevent the large-scale depletion of our resource.
  Perhaps the most shocking example of water mismanagement is the Aral 
Sea at the borders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In 50 years, what once 
was the world's fourth largest inland sea lost 75 percent of its water 
due to irresponsible irrigation and regional growth. This demonstrates 
how seemingly limitless supplies of water can vanish quickly.
  To protect the Great Lakes, Congress needs to pass the Great Lakes--
St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. As a proud original 
cosponsor to H.R. 6577, the House companion version, we must do 
everything we can to protect this national treasure for future 
generations to enjoy. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting 
this sorely needed legistiaon.

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