[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1968]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to 
S.J. Resolution 45, which expresses the consent and approval of 
Congress to an inter-state compact regarding water resources in the 
Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin.
  The Great Lakes are among America's most valued natural resources, 
containing over 90 percent of our fresh surface water. Effective 
management of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin is crucial to 
protect against harmful diversion of water that causes environmental 
damage and depletion of the lakes.
  I do not believe this bill has undergone a thorough, rigorous vetting 
process to ensure that its provisions provide strong enough protections 
against privatization, commercialization, and exportation of Great 
Lakes water. While that this legislation does take important steps 
toward ensuring protection of the lakes, I have several unanswered 
concerns with the bill as it stands now.
  Any bill seeking to protect the Great Lakes from diversion efforts 
must have strong language protecting against the commercialization and 
diversion of Great Lakes water in the international trade system. I am 
deeply concerned that this bill defines Great Lakes water as a 
``product,'' potentially subjecting it to international trade law 
obligations under NAFTA, GATT, or the WTO. Furthermore, by exempting 
diversions of water in containers smaller than 5.7 gallons, how does 
this bill protect Great Lakes water from privatization claims from 
bottled water companies and other large commercial entities? The 
International Joint Commission, the U.S. State Department, and the U.S. 
Trade Representative have failed to provide answers to these questions.
  I also believe strongly that any Great Lakes Compact must ensure 
full, active participation of the Tribes in the Great Lakes-St. 
Lawrence River Basin in any decision-making process. Language in this 
legislation requires ``reasonable notice'' to Tribes for commentary and 
an obligation to ``inform'' the Tribes of meetings and hearings 
regarding diversion of water. The intention of this language is right, 
but it must be stronger to ensure Tribes have a strong voice in any 
decisions related to the Great Lakes Basin.
  The Great Lakes Compact is a critical piece of legislation, 
concerning one of America's most precious natural resources. We must 
hold it to the highest standards to ensure that the environmental and 
economic integrity of the lakes are protected in a manner that is 
inclusive of all stakeholders. I urge my colleagues to oppose this 
legislation until these concerns have been resolved.

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