Great Lakes Compact with One Large Hole

The Great Lakes Compact that passed last week may have left a gaping hole that allows the lakes' water to be used for bottled water purposes. Rep. Bart Stupak had tried to stop the bill from passing because of the loophole, but others pooh-poohed him. He may have been on to something...

from the Record-Eagle:

The loophole allows water to be exported outside the Great Lakes basin in containers smaller than 5.7 gallons or in larger containers if the water is incorporated into other products; examples include steel or beer.

Great Lakes Protection Law Passes

Overwhelming majority passes the law, per mlive.com:

GRAND RAPIDS -- The U.S. House today approved the Great Lakes Compact which supporters say will protect the nation's biggest supply of fresh water.

One Michigan Rep tried to stop the vote out of fear of a loophole that allows bottled water to be extracted, but the other leaders feel it's been covered.

More on that from Great Lakes Law.