A controversial application by the small Wisconsin town of Waukesha would allow treated wastewater to flow the Root River and then into Lake Michigan. The proposal has provoked a far-reaching outcry of opposition.
According to a press release from Wisconsin State Representative Cory Mason, "a broad, bipartisan group of state Legislators from all eight Great Lake States sent a letter to Wisconsin [Department of Natural Resources] Secretary Cathy Stepp to express concerns about the proposed Waukesha diversion of Great Lakes Water."
The press release also described the proposal that led to the outpouring of political opposition: "The city of Waukesha is applying for an exemption from the ban on diversions of Great Lakes water outside the Great Lakes Basin. Under the Great Lakes Compact, all eight of the Great Lakes States must unanimously agree to the proposed diversion." The proposal is currently nearing the end of a review process with the Wisconsin state Department of Natural Resources.
The proposal has also prompted a series of opposing editorials from the major newspapers in the region, including The Detroit News, the Akron Beacon Journal, the Toledo Blade, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Hat tip to the Political Environment blog for keeping up to date on the growing opposition to the diversion plan. The blog's most recent post on the controversy provides a comprehensive overview of the issues at stake.
FULL STORY: 70+ Great Lakes legislators oppose Waukesha water diversion
Water Diversion Controversy Stifles Milwaukee Suburb's Growth Plans
The city of Waukesha asked for more water than the Great Lakes Compact would allow. Commenters remind the city of Waukesha that water for growth was never the goal of the Great Lakes Compact.
Trump Budget's Devastating Effect on the EPA and Two of America's Greatest Water Resources
President Trump's budget for 2018 has the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency take the steepest hit—31 percent. Funding for two vital programs, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Chesapeake Bay Program, will have their funds eliminated.
Planetizen Week in Review: June 24, 2016
The biggest news stories of a big week in planning and land use—all in just over two minutes.
Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Four Reasons Urban Planners Can’t Ignore AI
It’s no longer a question of whether AI will shape planning, but how. That how is up to us.
Bend, Deschutes County Move to Restrict Major Homeless Encampment
City and county officials are closing off portions of an area known as Juniper Ridge where many unhoused residents find shelter, hoping to direct people to housing and supportive services.
High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA
When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.
Iowa Legalizes Accessory Dwelling Units
A new law will allow property owners to build ADUs on single-family lots starting on July 1.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada