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(AP) - A key Michigan lawmaker said Monday he will
oppose a compact to prevent the diversion of water from the Great
Lakes because it allows bottled water to be shipped from the
region.

      Democratic Rep. Bart Stupak, who represents northern Michigan
and the Upper Peninsula, said Congress shouldn't rush to approve
the compact because it still has many unanswered questions and
doesn't adequately protect the lakes from water diversions.

      The House was expected to vote on the compact later Monday, the
final step before sending it to President Bush for his signature.


Stupak has been one of the few members of Congress to raise
questions about the agreement, which was ratified by the Senate in
August without objection.


      The region's eight governors approved it in December 2005 after
more than four years of talks involving business, scientific and
environmental interests. The Canadian provinces of Ontario and
Quebec have enacted virtually identical measures. Michigan was the
final state to approve the pact in July.


      "The Great Lakes compact will help preserve and improve this
important natural resource, our Great Lakes, for years to come,"
said Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Ohio, during the start of the House
debate.


      The compact prevents countries or remote states from tapping
into the lakes from their natural drainage basin with rare
exceptions. The compact also requires states to regulate their own
large-scale water use and promote conservation.


      But in a letter to colleagues, Stupak urged opposition because
he was troubled by the bottled water loophole, which exempts water
in a container smaller than 5.7 gallons. He said lawmakers also
should make clear the waters are not a product subject to domestic
or international trade law.


      Some advocates for the Great Lakes have raised concerns that
courts could declare the waters an economic commodity, opening the
way for shipments to thirsty U.S. states or even foreign countries.


      "While the potential removal of millions of gallons of Great
Lakes water in the form of bottled water is alarming, of much
greater concern is a potential trade dispute between the U.S. and
any multinational corporation or foreign government interested in
diverting our water," he said.


      The compact has received broad support from environmental and
civic groups around the region. Supporters have said it will
protect the Great Lakes from water diversions and preserve the
lakes for future generations.
      

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A key Michigan lawmaker said Monday he will
oppose a compact to prevent the diversion of water from the Great
Lakes because it allows bottled water to be shipped from the
region.

Michigan lawmaker to oppose Great Lakes compact in US House

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