Great Lakes amendment defeated

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House has rejected a proposal that would have given Great Lakes governors and premiers control over the lakes. Under the amendment authored by Congressman Mike Rogers of downstate Brighton, management authority over the lakes would have rested solely with those groups. Representative Bart Stupak is pleased the measure was struck down. He says it would have sacrificed the U.S.'s sovereignty as a country, and encroached on the constitution. Stupak says under the measure, Canadian officials would have control over Lake Michigan, which lies completely in the U.S. He notes it would also have created ten different standards for water diversion, pollution, oil and gas drilling, and aquatic nuisances.