DNR APPROVES DIVERSION FOR FOXCONN

Decision Ignores Spirit and Intent of the Compact

WISCONSIN - Yesterday, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hastily approved the City of Racine’s request for a diversion of Great Lakes water for a private entity, Foxconn. While the request was pending before the DNR, the CIC, and many regional and Great Lakes state partners, requested that the Regional Body and Compact Council review the proposal because of several flaws including that the use of the water was not for a public purpose, but rather for a private corporation’s use. The CIC feels it is unfortunate that DNR is ignoring not only the spirit, intent and plain language of the Great Lakes Compact, but also the voiced concerns of thousands of Wisconsin citizens. In light of this rushed decision, the CIC is reviewing the DNR’s responses to the public comments which raised significant concerns, as well as looking at the Compact guidance to understand appropriate next steps.