Resolution: Establishment of a Great Lakes Legislative Forum
Adopted on April 17, 2003

Whereas, The informed use, management and protection of the water and related natural resources of the binational Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin requires a partnership at all levels of government; and

Whereas, state and provincial legislators play a critical role in that partnership with regard to jurisdiction-specific legislation, policies, programs and appropriations; and

Whereas, consistency in laws, policies and programs across basin jurisdictions is fundamental to the "ecosystem approach" and the effective management of the resource; and

Whereas, state and provincial legislators - and the resource itself - can benefit from a legislative forum that provides an opportunity for collective discussion and action; and

Whereas, such a forum will facilitate participation in policy deliberations on leading issues of the day by an essential sector of the decisionmaking community; and

Whereas, establishing such a forum is consistent with the mandate of the Great Lakes Commission, as embodied in the Great Lakes Basin Compact, its Strategic Plan, and its extant policy positions.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission supports the establishment of a Great Lakes Legislative Forum providing a forum for state and provincial legislators to advance understanding, dialogue and collaborative action on issues affecting the environment, economy and quality of life of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin; and

Be it finally resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission will support and assist in the establishment and operation of the forum in consultation with the Council of State Governments and other relevant entities, and in a manner that does not result in an additional burden on the Commission's fees or fiscal health.

Unanimously adopted by the Great Lakes Commission at its 2003 Semiannual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 17, 2003.