Designating Lake Saint Clair a âGreat Lakeâ: Legal Analysis (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Jan. 27, 2003 |
| Report Number |
RL31714 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Stephen R. Vina, American Law Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The Great Lakes and their connecting waters form the largest fresh surface water system on
Earth.
The Great Lakes affect millions of people as well as aspects of the natural environment.
Consequently, law makers have now become sensitive to the industrial and environmental needs of
the Lakes. Several federal agencies play key roles in the management and protection of the Great
Lakes by implementing programs for pollution control, conservation, navigation, and scientific
research. Lake Saint Clair is located between Lakes Huron and Erie, and is the smallest lake in the
Great Lakes system. Although not recognized as a traditional "Great Lake," Lake Saint Clair is a
vital resource to many of the region's citizens, animals, and ecosystems.
This report focuses on the statutory language of the programs specifically authorized for the
Great Lakes and discusses various national programs as applicable. In particular, this report
discusses the statutory programs that benefit the "Great Lakes" and how these programs would
benefit Lake Saint Clair, if designated as a "Great Lake." This discussion, however, requires an
initial consideration of the statutory language for each program to assess whether Lake Saint Clair
is not already, either explicitly or implicitly, eligible to receive the benefits of a program.
A review of the programs discussed herein demonstrates that Lake Saint Clair is generally
included in the statutory language for programs that benefit the "Great Lakes," the "Great Lakes
Basin," or the "Great Lakes Region," or for a "Great Lakes State." In essence, Lake Saint Clair
appears eligible for most of the programs and funding that are specifically designated for the
traditional Great Lakes and may be eligible under others. Thus, a designation as a "Great Lake"
would appear to have little or no legal significance for these purposes. This report will be updated
as warranted.
