GOOD: Water deal paves way to outlaw Great Lakes diversions

Michigan moved one step closer Monday to signing on to a multi-state compact to keep Great Lakes water from being piped to the thirsty Southwest or elsewhere outside the region.

The Great Lakes Basin Compact had widespread support in Michigan all along but it was a connected issue - regulating water use within the state - that delayed movement.

Now with a bipartisan agreement on in-state water use, lawmakers could approve the compact quickly.

The in-state use deal would mean farmers or businesses seeking to drill new wells pumping 100,000 gallons of water or more per day will have to register with the state, but won't need approval. Those planning to pump 1 million gallons or more per day will need a permit.

The Great Lakes are crucial, not only to Michigan but to the US and North America in general. A balance needs to be struck between growth and the environment, and this seems like a reasonable attempt.