Great Lakes water use bill goes to Ohio governor
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) – Ohio lawmakers are backing a proposal to let factories increase the amount of water they draw out of Lake Erie.
The plan sailed through the state Senate on Tuesday over the objections of 2 former Ohio governors and environmentalists.
It now goes to Gov. John Kasich.
The bill will allow businesses to take millions more gallons of lake water each day.
Supporters say it will help businesses create and retain jobs and that it’s possible to use water resources while protecting the environment.
But one former state administrator who oversaw Ohio’s natural resources department says it will give Ohio the weakest water supply protections among the Great Lakes states. Former Republican Govs. Bob Taft and George Voinovich also have spoken out against the idea.
