In the current issue of Countryside (July/August 2009), I discuss the Clean Water Restoration Act, which would give Government control over the vast majority of America’s waterways. Regulations governing the use of water are growing, especially in drought-stricken regions. States and municipalities alike are struggling with water issues.

A Countryside reader who is experiencing the consequences of tightening water laws writes:

Dear All,

Just a plea to put the article on page 32 “But the Levee was dry: The truth about the Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007″ on your web site. (We did. See it here.)We would like to direct people to this article as quickly as possible — and of course, hope that a few of them will stay on to subscribe!   We’re owners of a dam, attempting to donate it to the county to avoid bankruptcy as New York State’s regulations for Dam Safety will make it prohibitive for us to renovate or maintain it ourselves.  And of course, the regulations are a totally unfunded mandate.  As a religious-(very)not-for-profit government funding won’t help us anyway, but as it stands, the proposed regulations will attempt to make every dam in New York State look like the Hoover Dam. Life is certainly getting interesting in this wonderful world of ours.

Thanks so much!

Mother Raphaela

Zoar Farms at Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery

Otego, New York

The fact is water is the the most valuable commodity on the planet. It’s value lies not only in its life-sustaining benefits, but also in its value as a commodity. Water, as a sellable commodity, is worth more than oil and gold combined. It’s so important that President Obama appointed the first ever Great Lakes Czar.

The new czar, one of 32 at the last count, is Cameron Davis. As the head of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Davis successfully lobbied for a $20 billion Great Lakes restoration program. No doubt Davis has the best interest of the Great Lakes Region at heart. He’s passionate about protecting this priceless natural resource. It seems as though he’s the perfect pick for the position.

It’s precisely the position that is the problem. The Great Lakes Czar has no authority over policy. His is only an advisory role. The people who control policy, they’re in the legislature, and as the Clean Water Restoration Act illustrates, they intend to exert maximun control over every body of water, no matter how small, in the United States. All bodies of water, public and private will fall under their control.

By installing him as Great Lakes Czar, the Obama Administration has effectively constrained an effective advocate for the Great Lakes Region. While everyone certainly wishes Mr. Davis well, we all realize that he had more power as an activist than he ever will as a czar.

Tags: Alliance for the Great Lakes, Great Lakes Czar