The Great Lakes Basin advisory council; convening

§ 21-1007. The Great Lakes Basin advisory council; convening.

1. Not later than three months after the effective date of this section, the commissioner shall convene the Great Lakes Basin advisory council pursuant to section 21-0917 of this article.

2. The advisory council shall be convened for the purpose of developing recommendations for legislation, regulations or rules that are necessary to implement and effectuate the requirements and purposes of the Compact. The recommendations shall include, but shall not be limited to the following:

a. the evaluation and recommendations of the threshold levels to be included in the implementing legislation regulation or rules for regulating new or increased water withdrawals in the state;

b. the establishment of a permitting program or alternative programs in order to meet the water management objectives of this state;

c. the development of the state's water conservation and efficiency programs;

d. the method for establishing the baseline for determining a new or increased diversion, consumptive use, or withdrawal pursuant to Section 4.12.2 of the Compact; and

e. the collection and application of scientific information to improve understanding of the waters of the Great Lakes Basin and the impacts of withdrawals and diversions.

3. The advisory council shall present its final recommendations to the governor and the legislature not later than eighteen months after the effective date of this section.

4. The department shall not adopt any rule or regulation pursuant to the Compact prior to advisory council issuing its final recommendations to the governor and the legislature.