Rep. Elsenheimer offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 231.

            A resolution to condemn the statements by Governor Bill Richardson that water should be diverted from water-plentiful states.

            Whereas, Michigan and the other Great Lakes states' economies and quality of life are predicated upon their water resources. The Great Lakes region relies on its water to support over 35 million people, world-class manufacturing, power generation, a vibrant recreational and tourism industry, and a diverse and productive farming community. Shipping on the Great Lakes connects the American Midwest to the rest of the world; and

            Whereas, New Mexico Governor and current presidential candidate Bill Richardson recently implied that Great Lakes water should be sent to growing western states with insufficient water supplies. Governor Richardson stated that he would pursue a national water policy and that Great Lakes states are "awash in water"; and

            Whereas, Diverting water from the Great Lakes to western states would inevitably lead to less water to support the people, farms, and industries of the Great Lakes region, increase costs to live and do business in the region, and place at risk water-dependent natural resources. The impact of current Great Lakes low water levels on commercial shipping and recreational boating demonstrate how important it is to retain water in the Great Lakes; and

            Whereas, Based on current low water levels and uncertainty over future Great Lakes water levels, any suggestion of diverting Great Lakes water to western states is inappropriate. Diversions to western states would essentially favor economic development and growth in one area of the country at the expense of another; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we condemn the statements by Governor Bill Richardson that water should be diverted from water-plentiful states.