The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Great Lakes Compact Tuesday by a vote of 390 to 25.
According to Tyler Schwartz, spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Tom Petri, R-Wis., the compact passed without much opposition.
The bill, introduced to Congress in June, provides a legal framework for states and Canadian provinces bordering the Great Lakes to protect the bodies of fresh water.
It prevents long-distance water diversions and presents a plan for sustainable water use.
Gov. Jim Doyle signed the compact in May, and the U.S. Senate passed it in August.
The only remaining step to the compact becoming law is President George Bush's signature, and he has openly supported the bill.
According to Schwartz, it is only a matter of scheduling before the bill is signed and put into law.
Concerns of low water levels have many Great Lakes legislators, including Petri, a member of the Great Lakes Task Force, calling for immediate passage of the compact.
The compact is an absolute necessity to protect our environment and economy. Its passage is a great step forward both for the environment and for the economies of states like Wisconsin,"" Petri said in a statement.
Protecting the Great Lakes, which contain 90 percent of America's surface freshwater and supply 30 million Americans with drinking water, has been a longtime project of Wisconsin lawmakers.
Doyle said in a statement the lakes are crucial to Wisconsin's economy.
""One of our greatest competitive advantages in a 21st century global economy is our water - water that will help Wisconsin businesses grow and attract new businesses to our state,"" Doyle said.
