SR-132, As Adopted by Senate, March 24, 2010

            Senator Allen offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 132.

            A resolution to urge inclusion of an addendum to address aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

            Whereas, For nearly 40 years, the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the United States and Canada has provided a binational vision for water quality in the Great Lakes with a common set of goals. The agreement has allowed the two countries to coordinate efforts to clean up, restore, and maintain water quality of this shared natural resource; and

            Whereas, The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement needs to be updated for the twenty-first century. The agreement has not been amended in over 20 years and, with changes, could provide even better protection for the Great Lakes over the next 40 years. New issues, new approaches, and new expectations for participation and accountability have fundamentally altered the landscape for managing Great Lakes water quality; and

            Whereas, An amended agreement must address the pressing issue of aquatic invasive species. Few issues are of greater importance to the Great Lakes. Aquatic invasive species are clearly a form of biological pollution and well within the scope of the agreement's purpose. Protecting the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species requires the full cooperation and coordination of U.S. and Canadian authorities. The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement is a perfect vehicle to achieve these ends; and

            Whereas, An annex on aquatic invasive species should provide clear regional goals and objectives for preventing new invasions and eradicating or controlling new invaders. It must establish a framework for the states and provinces to work together in concert with the respective federal governments for the benefit of the entire region. Once established in one jurisdiction, aquatic invasive species can spread throughout the Great Lakes, affecting all the other jurisdictions. An annex that ensures a coordinated and concerted effort is necessary to protect the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we urge inclusion of an addendum to address aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the U.S. Secretary of State and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.