The Great Lakes Compact is the result of intense, disciplined negotiations among the contiguous states. The agreement is not protectionist but rather provides mechanisms for orderly and equitable allocation of water while addressing growing environmental challenges.

In a very positive development, the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, chaired by Democratic Representative John Conyers of Michigan, a Great Lakes state, has emphasized the responsibility of Congress to ensure responsible management of this enormous resource and describes the legislation as protecting the Lakes “for generations to come.”

While Congress has been reflecting summer doldrums in neglecting a range of other public policy matters, this rapid committee approval of the Compact is encouraging. The strength of the national environmental movement is undeniable. Al Gore’s success and influence in promoting public awareness personifies particularly dramatic evidence for this point.

Once the Great Lakes Compact becomes national policy, a sensible next step would be engagement of other nations. China should be at the top of the list. China and the United States are principal polluters of the atmosphere, though the latter is achieving reduction of emissions. Water management is in some respects easier to achieve. Canada, directly involved in Great Lakes management, could play an important brokering role.

China is extremely anxious to overcome its negative image in a wide range of areas, including human rights. That is a principal reason for seeking to host the current Olympics. In the wake of the Games, water is a promising focus for positive cooperation involving Beijing, Ottawa, Washington and other capitals.

Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College and author of ‘After the Cold War’ (NYU Press and Palgrave/Macmillan). He can be reached at acyr@carthage.edu

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