The approval of the first diversion under the new Great Lakes Compact is being hailed by some as a model because it provides for water conservation by New Berlin, WI. Not quite. It provides for future development of "a plan [by New Berlin] to reduce its overall water use in the future." Let's hope it's a good one when it comes about, but the history of this Compact and related state legislation has been one of pass now, verify later. And trust in the willingness of state regulators to be tough on their constituents. The history of state environmental regulation does not inspire total confidence.
Yeah, it isn't especially great to see this deal happen but New Berlin is at least a straddling community. The one to watch will be Waukesha.
Posted by: Dave Reid | May 27, 2009 at 12:34 AM