The Great Lakes Compact and the Western Water Crisis

 

 

We’ve all seen the headlines about the water crises in the West. Fortunately, over 20 years ago, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Governors and Premiers came together to protect the world’s largest surface water resource by creating the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact and Cross-Border Agreement, ensuring we don’t see the same headlines in the Great Lakes.  These historic agreements were facilitated by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP), led by Governor Bob Taft of Ohio, with key engagement from stakeholder groups throughout the region.

This free webinar was held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 10 am to 11 am ET.  Participants learned from one of the leading national experts on the water challenges being faced in the Western United States, while hearing from individuals who played a key role in drafting and implementing the protections that defend the waters of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Basin. 

Peter Annin, author of The Great Lakes Water Wars and Executive Director of the Burke Center for Ecosystem Research, moderated this panel discussion, which featured expert perspectives from government, regional leadership, industry, and water policy. A live question-and-answer session followed.

Panelists included:

• Kate Bartter, Chief Policy Advisor for Former Governor Bob Taft of Ohio
• David Naftzger, Executive Director, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers; and Executive Director of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Council
• Jonathan Overpeck, Samuel A. Graham Dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan
• Marc Smith, Director, Conservation Partnerships, National Wildlife Federation