Conferences
Annual Great Lakes Water Conferences
Historically, water law has been the province of lawyers and policymakers in the arid western United States. In recent years, however, lawmakers in the Great Lakes region have come to recognize the critical role that water management plays in securing a healthy and vibrant society over the long term. In recognition of this development, the University of Toledo College of Law and its LIGL sponsors annual conferences each fall on water issues of importance to the Great Lakes region and the nation.
Twelfth Annual Great Lakes Water Conference, November 2, 2012
New international, national and state laws impacting Great Lakes water quality and quantity were the subjects of the 12th annual Great Lakes Water Conference on November 2, 2012 at the University of Toledo College of Law. The conference was sponsored by the College of Law and its affiliated Legal Institute of the Great Lakes.
Three panels of experts discussed the newly amended Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (featuring speakers from the U.S. and Canada); Mercury Pollution (exploring the effects of mercury pollution in the Great Lakes region and the debate over new federal regulations aimed at curbing mercury air emissions); and Water Use Legislation Spawned by the Compact (focusing on Ohio’s controversial new water management statute and its ramifications). The keynote speaker was Tom Henry, award-winning environmental writer for the Toledo Blade. See the conference brochure.
Selected slide presentations from this year's conference:
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement – Davis, Schroeck
Mercury Pollution – Driscoll, Budzynski
Water Use Legislation – Kilbert, Woggon, Meyer
Previous Years' Conferences
2011: More Than Diversions: Compact, Fracking, Shores and Carp
2010: Renewable Energy, Drugs and More in Our Waters
2009: Stimulating, Restoring, and Protecting the Great Lakes
2008: Implementing the Compact, Transboundary Pollution, and Groundwater
2007: Invasive Species, Ethanol, and Updates on the Compact
2006: Climate Change, the Courts, and a Common Water Policy
2005: National Water Crisis: Energy and Access for All?
2002: Great Lakes Neighbors: Managing International Waters in Crisis