We're so close to passing the Great Lakes Compact!

As you know, the Senate passed the Great Lakes Compact with a 26-6 bipartisan supermajority. The bill passed by the Senate was delicately balanced with amendments that a variety of stakeholders - including conservationists, industry, municipalities, and developers - negotiated from their concerns. Everyone compromised to create a bill that we are all happy with.

Things have changed. And we need your help.

Now, builders and developers no longer support the Compact passed by the Senate and asked the Assembly for modifications to further cater to their interests, especially to the water conservation measures. Rep. Gunderson seemed to be intent on addressing their requests.

The water conservation measures in the strong Compact will allow us to preserve this great natural resource. The science-based water conservation measures we are asking for will preserve the water we use, help us track the amount of water we use, and save us money in energy costs of pumping water.

Over the next few weeks, the Assembly will be pulling together a Compact bill. There will be a significant amount of negotiating happening and we know this is an important time to weigh in. Citizen phone calls to Senators made a huge difference in passing a Compact in the Senate that everyone was happy with. Right now is the time to tell our Assembly representatives that we want a strong Compact, including the strong water conservation measures.

Because there will be significant negotiations on the Compact, starting this week, we need your help!

Here's what you can do to make the strong Compact a reality:

1. Call your Assembly representative and request that she or he talk to or her or his colleagues about passing a strong Great Lakes Compact, including the strong water conservation measures. Click here to find the contact information.
2. Call Rep. Scott Gunderson, who is a major decision-maker on this to tell him to pass a strong Great Lakes Compact, with strong water conservation measures. His number is (888) 534-0083.
3. Call your local mayor and/or county executive and ask them to contact your Assembly representative about passing a strong Great Lakes Compact, with strong water conservation measures.
   

Here are some talking points:

-The Great Lakes are vital to this state's quality of life and economic well-being.
-The Great Lakes are vulnerable to drawdowns and diversions to other places.
-We can protect the Great Lakes with the Compact, which will prevent diversions and help us manage the water levels.
-The Strong Great Lakes Compact has better standards that are more specific to Wisconsin's particular needs.
-Strong water conservation measures are needed in this Compact. Science-based water conservation measures will preserve the water we use, help us track the amount of water we use, and save us money in energy costs of pumping water.
-The Strong Compact will help grow a strong Wisconsin because we'll be protecting our most important natural resources that our quality of life and economy rely on.
-Pass a Strong Compact for a Strong Wisconsin!