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(AP) - A compact designed to prevent remote
regions or countries from tapping into the Great Lakes was approved
Wednesday by the last of the eight states that partly surround one
of the world's largest sources of fresh water.

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation approving the
compact during a ceremony at Oval Beach in the Lake Michigan town
of Saugatuck. A day earlier, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell announced
he had signed a ratification bill.

      "This is a defining moment in Michigan history," Granholm
said. "We must do our part to ensure that our Great Lakes are
protected and preserved for generations to come. This legislation
fulfills that promise."

      The pact still needs approval of Congress and the White House.
The Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec have adopted a nearly
identical document but cannot join the compact because U.S. states
cannot make treaties with foreign governments.

      Measures to ratify the deal in Congress will be introduced
shortly, said David Naftzger, executive director of the Council of
Great Lakes Governors.

      More than 20 members have endorsed it, including Sens. Barack
Obama and John McCain, the presumptive presidential nominees.

Obama, an Illinois Democrat, said he would be a co-sponsor.

      "I am committed to working to fully implement this compact to
protect America's truly Great Lakes," Obama said.

      Carl Levin, D-Mich., and George Voinovich, R-Ohio, will be the
primary Senate sponsors. In the House, support will be led by Rep.
James Oberstar, a Minnesota Democrat and chairman of the
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

      Supporters hope the pact will be approved this fall and sent to
President Bush, whose administration has voiced no opposition.

      The agreement outlaws diversions of Great Lakes water from its
natural drainage basin with rare exceptions, while requiring the
states to regulate their own large-scale water uses and promote
conservation.

      The Council of Great Lakes Governors spent four years
negotiating the deal amid rising concern that the worldwide
shortage of fresh water would lead thirsty regions to target the
lakes.

      "It is gratifying to see our region uniting as never before to
protect the Great Lakes," said Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, chairman
of the council.

      The compact hit a number of snags during negotiations by the
governors, who approved it in 2005, and while being considered by
the eight state legislatures. But in the end, it drew support from
a broad spectrum of interests, including business and environmental
groups.

      "There were times when I thought this day would never come,"
said Andy Buchsbaum, director of the National Wildlife Federation's
Great Lakes office. "This is a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime
achievement."

      Mike Johnson, regulatory affairs director for the Michigan
Manufacturers Association, said the agreement ensures that
"farmers, businesses and manufacturers can now access the water
they need while following clear standards" to protect water
resources.

      But some remained dissatisfied. Clean Water Action, an activist
group, said the Michigan bills omitted provisions needed to prevent
corporate interests from turning public water into a private
commodity.

      Birkholz said the Michigan Constitution and existing law
adequately protect the public interest.

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Politics and Government News

A compact designed to prevent remote
regions or countries from tapping into the Great Lakes was approved
Wednesday by the last of the eight states that partly surround one
of the world's largest sources of fresh water.

Michigan's governor is last to sign Great Lakes compact

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