November 29, 2005

The draft Annex 2001 Implementing Agreements, currently being reviewed for potential endorsement by the Great Lakes Governors and Premiers, were today posted online at the Department of Environmental Quality’s Web site.

Annex 2001 is an amendment to the Great Lakes Charter originally signed in 1985 and was developed to ensure the Great Lakes are protected, conserved, restored, and improved for future generations.

The final documents, if approved by all Governors and Premiers, will provide a framework for each State and Province to seek passage of laws that will protect the Great Lakes Basin. In the U.S., Congress will be asked to consent to any compact among the States.

The draft proposals currently under review consist of two elements:

• The Great Lakes Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement, a
  good-faith agreement among the ten Great Lakes States and
  Provinces; and,

• The Great Lakes Basin Water Resources Compact, a binding
  agreement among the eight Great Lakes States.

The draft agreements are available at: http://www.michigan.gov/deqannex2001process.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised November 29, 2005 by Pat Watson