The Great Lakes Zephyr - Wind Energy & Hydrogen Journal

Protect the Great Lakes!


To Whom It May Concern,

I am strongly in favor of limits on withdrawals of water from the Great Lakes beyond what is naturally replenished. If it's going to lower the levels of the lakes permanently leading to them eventually being dried up, we must not do it.

The Great Lakes are what make the breadbasket of the United States what it is. As long as we draw no more water from them than what nature replaces, then fine. Once we go beyond that, we sell out the people of the Great Lakes region and of the world. The Great Lakes are one of the most unique freshwater habitats in the world. They are irreplaceable.

Additionally, the Great Lakes represent a wonderful opportunity for energy production from clean wind power. Their large flat expanse has some of the highest rated winds inland of the Eastern & Western seaboards of the United States. Removing the water from the Great Lakes would reduce wind speeds because the lake bottom is not flat as the water is now. That would greatly reduce their potential for clean energy production in addition to the natural habitat destruction draining the lakes would entail, and the eventual loss of fresh water for drinking and irrigation to the inhabitants of the Great Lakes basin.

Finally, failure to protect the lakes will eventually lead to economic devastation of the entire area. The Great Lakes shipping industries and recreational and tourism industries suffer greatly with lower water levels. The thought of the lakes drained and the complete loss of these bodies of water through irresponsible use of the lake water is unimaginable.

The Great Lakes are the beauty and the bounty of our entire region, one of the greatest jewels of North America and it's inhabitants. Their effects on weather and the economy are huge. We MUST ensure policy that maintains them, taking no more from them than can be replaced. Every effort to educate and empower the citizens and residents of the Great Lakes region on the vast benefits derived from these natural wonders and in the methodology of stewardship of them must be made, for our generation, and countless generations to follow us.

We need a comprehensive agreement that maintains the Great Lakes at their current levels. I believe the reforms currently under discussion are a good first step, and should be strengthened at every opportunity. In addition, there should be an ongoing review process to find new ways to protect the lakes without harming the economy, yet barring any backsliding in protection for the lakes.

I am in favor of wasting no time getting a baseline agreement in place with provisions for constant review and upgrade of the agreement, and stringent enforcement of the tenets of such an agreement. The future of the Great Lakes region depends upon it.

Sincerely,

Daniel A. Stafford