First, Sun-belt cities takes people from the Great Lakes, now they want water there.

Published: Wednesday, July 27, 2005 Drilling could be banned in and under Great Lakes WASHINGTON (AP) — Oil and gas drilling would be banned in the Great Lakes under a measure adopted by House and Senate negotiators Tuesday. Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Menominee, had sought the prohibition amid concerns that the Great Lakes, a large source of drinking water and integral part of the state's tourism industry, could be threatened by an oil spill. A temporary ban on drilling was set by Congress in 2001 and has been extended twice. The moratorium is set to expire in 2007. "We have had several victories with temporary bans on drilling, but this provision is a permanent ban which will protect our country's most valuable fresh water resource for generations to come," Stupak said. Stupak's amendment to the bill would prevent new permits or leases for oil and gas drilling in or under the Great Lakes. The measure was supported by Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, and Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph. Fresh water The Great Lakes supply drinking water to more than 30 million people and make up about 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water. Stupak and other members of Congress who represent districts around the lakes have said the permanent ban would prevent a state legislature or governor from allowing drilling. Michigan, New York, Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio have drilling bans in their states, but the bans are not found in Indiana, Pennsylvania and Minnesota. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, has opposed Stupak's approach, arguing that the powers should be left to the states in the region. Rogers, who also opposes drilling in the lakes, has said the federal ban could empower western states to gain access to drinking water from the Great Lakes. http://www.vindy.com/content/nationa...4165903015.php _________________________________________________________________ I say, if you want the lovely, refreshing Great Lakes water, move back here. If you choose to live in Sun-Belt Cities, get your own water supplies. (GL means Great Lakes and S and W means southern and western) Lets debeat... go... >