How the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers are Working Across Borders to Protect the World's Largest Freshwater System

Abstract
Hear from David Naftzger and Peter Johnson on binational efforts to protect and sustainably manage the waters of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin, including through the “Great Lakes Compact” and companion Great Lakes Agreement ratified by the eight U.S. Great Lakes States and the Canadian Provinces of Ontario and Québec.  Our speakers will explore how the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers work together across borders, the negotiations and policy development behind the binational water management agreements, the challenges of implementation, and how they are being applied today and in the future.

Bios
David Naftzger is the Executive Director of the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (GSGP). In that role, he coordinates the efforts of eight U.S. Governors and two Canadian Premiers to grow the region’s $9 trillion (US) economy and protect its world-class environment. He managed development of the Great Lakes Compact and drove it from concept into State and federal law. He serves as Executive Director of the Compact Council and Regional Body.

Peter Johnson is GSGP’s Deputy Director. He helped facilitate the negotiation and served as primary draftsman of the “Great Lakes Compact” and the companion cross-border Agreement. He also served in a key role in “standing up” the new interstate Compact Council and cross-border Regional Body, including drafting and implementing protocols, procedures, guidance, and rules. He now serves as primary staff support to both organizations.