U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak has introduced a resolution to clarify the Congressional view of the Great Lakes Compact which the eight states including Minnesota passed, and Congress approved last fall. H. Res. 551, he says, is designed to quell concerns that two provisions in the Compact could be exploited by private interests to sell off large amounts of Great Lakes water without oversight by the states.

From Stupak’s release: “I continue to have concerns that the Great Lakes Compact is not strong enough to protect the Great Lakes against diversions through privatization, commercialization and exportation,” Stupak said. “There is no question that Congress intended for the compact to protect Great Lakes water but the wording of the compact leaves some question. That is why I have introduced this resolution to put Congress on record in opposition to the exploitation of Great Lakes waters.”

As anyone who’s visited it knows, Minnesota’s North Shore harbors singular beauty. And visitors and artists from all across America take note of it. Here is a poetic example in a recent issue of the Christian Science Monitor. As Congressional debate heats up on a proposed $475 million federal investment in the Great Lakes this summer, the North Shore can be cited as one of the national icons worth celebrating and conserving. So far, no one has put a number on how much of the $475 million will be put to work in Minnesota’s Lake Superior watershed, but it’s likely to be substantial. Minnesota’s Congressional delegation will benefit by hearing from those who cherish the North Shore.

This week’s update from lobbyist John Tuma:

“Twins 4, Cardinals 2. The Twins’ Magic carpet took Minnesota to the moon Sunday night. It was born by the sound of 55,000 exploding voices in the Metrodome and hundreds of thousands more from border to border in one floor-stomping, chest pounding declaration: We’re No.1.”

- Jim Klobuchar, Star Tribune, 10/26/87
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Kudos to President Obama and his administration for taking an important step toward fulfilling his campaign pledge to fund Great Lakes Restoration by including a $475 million down payment in his fiscal year 2010 budget. (more…)

The budget proposal released by President Obama last week is a long and complicated document (140 pages, PDF).  It departs significantly from how things have been done in the past in many regards, so it will take a while for conservation and environmental groups to fully assess its implications on environmental policies.

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President Obama recently announced an unprecedented investment of $475 Million in his Fiscal Year 2010 Budget to restore the Great Lakes – an effort that is key to creating jobs and growing our economy. (more…)

John Myers of the Duluth News Tribune is to be commended for an article this week on a scientific study finding fault with U.S. EPA’s stormwater pollution control program. Why? Because this kind of pollution dramatically influences the quality of our waters, including the Great Lakes.

As the article notes, “In the Twin Ports, that polluted runoff flows through ditches, culverts, creeks, storm sewers and streams eventually into Lake Superior. On the way they help damage streams like Miller Creek and the St. Louis River.”

Now, no elected official or candidate will sway many votes by calling for ‘reform of the EPA stormwater pollution program.’ But it’s this kind of unglamorous work that will move us toward meeting the goals of the Clean Water Act. Let’s hope the report provides an impetus for that work.

Interesting comments from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on the practice of washing coal and other residue off freighters into the Great Lakes.

“Minnesota solid waste rules prohibit the disposal of solid waste into waters of the state of Minnesota, including Lake Superior,” said Paul Eger, assistant commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, in a letter to the Coast Guard.

Eger disputed the Coast Guard’s claim that cargo residues washed off ships sink quickly and do not harm water quality.

Interesting comments from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on the practice of washing coal and other residue off freighters into the Great Lakes.

“Minnesota solid waste rules prohibit the disposal of solid waste into waters of the state of Minnesota, including Lake Superior,” said Paul Eger, assistant commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, in a letter to the Coast Guard.

Eger disputed the Coast Guard’s claim that cargo residues washed off ships sink quickly and do not harm water quality.

Great news for Minnesota and the Great Lakes! The Great Lakes Compact has nearly passed its last hurdle. The eighth and final state legislature approved the Compact last Thursday. Signatures by Pennsylvania’s and Michigan’s Governors will complete the ratification process by all participating states and Canadian provinces. Now the next move is for Congress to enact the Compact into law. (more…)