Ohio Governor John Kasich has chosen to veto HB231. The bill would have allowed businesses to withdraw up to five million gallons of water from Lake Erie without a permit. It had been criticized by some other Great Lake States as being too permissive. New York officials said the bill was a violation of the spirit of the Great Lakes Compact.

“Lake Erie is an incredible resource that demands our vigilant stewardship to maximize its environmental, recreational and commercial potential for Ohioans,” read a statement issued by Mr. Kasich. “While most of HB231 fulfills Ohio’s obligations without concern and helps meet the needs of Ohio’s industrial, energy and agricultural water users, portions of it must be improved. Namely, Ohio’s legislation lacks clear standards for conservation and withdrawals and does not allow for sufficient evaluation and monitoring of withdrawals or usage. I look forward to working with the General Assembly to make the necessary improvements to the legislation.”