Resolution: Examining the Energy / Environment / Economy Linkage
Adopted on May 7, 2002

Whereas, a key component of the environmental and economic prosperity of the Great Lakes region is environmentally safe, reliable and affordable energy supplies; and

Whereas, energy supplies for the Great Lakes depend on a highly integrated regional and nation-wide network of marine transportation, generating facilities, transmission lines, pipelines, and refineries; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes are integral components of the energy transmission infrastructure system; and

Whereas, the interrelationship between energy, environment and economy in the Great Lakes region has gained elevated profile in recent years through proposed directional drilling for oil and gas; proposed pipelines on or beneath lake beds; proposed energy transmission facilities; and increased concerns over security; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Commission – through provisions of the Great Lakes Basin Compact – is authorized to undertake plans and studies and make recommendations on the energy environment/economy linkage; and

Whereas, members of the Great Lakes Senate Delegation have proposed legislation (S. 517) that would require the Department of Energy to study the Great Lakes energy transmission infrastructure system to understand how various energy transmission infrastructure proposals may impact the Great Lakes ecosystem, and how to minimize those impacts.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission will explore and pursue – through it staff, membership and partners – opportunities to contribute to the development of regional, national and binational energy policy as it relates to use and management of the resources of the Great Lakes Basin; and

Therefore, Be It Finally Resolved, the Great Lakes Commission supports S.517 and urges that the design and conduct of the energy transmission study provide full and meaningful participation of the Great Lakes Commission and its member jurisdictions.

Unanimously adopted by the Great Lakes Commission at its Semiannual Meeting, May 7, 2002 in Québec City, Québec.