By The Associated Press
1:42 PM CDT, September 23, 2008
Reaction to the House’s passage Tuesday of the Great Lakes compact, which was designed to prevent the diversion of water from the Great Lakes.
“There is no question that we’re in a much stronger position to protect the Great Lakes with the Compact than without it.” — Rep. Sander Levin, D-Royal Oak.
“It was imperative that Congress quickly act on this bill so that the Great Lakes states will be able to ensure the lakes are used in a sustainable manner.” — Rep. Vernon Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids.
“I do not know how any member in good conscience could vote to approve legislation that may unintentionally open the Great Lakes water to diversions.” Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Menominee.
“The Compact puts the water saved by the collective actions of conscientious Great Lakes residents into millions of bottles and ships them out of the Great Lakes basin.” — Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio.