As states work to stop the spread of Asian Carp into the Great Lakes, Wisconsin continues to ponder its role in the debate.
Several states have filed lawsuits with the US Supreme Court to close the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, where Asian Carp have been found. They’re urging the high court to grant an injunction. Several groups, including Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, have called on Wisconsin to join the legal fight.
Governor Jim Doyle says it’s a tricky issue for Wisconsin to get involved in. He says the state has a priority to prevent the carp from entering the Great Lakes. However, Doyle says lawsuits don’t always turn out the way people hope and the legal battle could actually pull attention away from other crucial efforts to prevent the spread of the carp.
Doyle says whether or not Wisconsin gets involved in the legal battle is up to the Department of Justice. If there’s a firm legal basis and it can be helpful, he says they should join efforts to close the canal.
UPDATE: Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen on Wednesday afternoon filed a brief in support of Michigan’s request for an injunction to close the canal system. He says the move is needed to protect Lake Michigan from adverse environmental and economic consequences.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:03)