Gary Wilson
Commentary
On Wall Street when you’ve got a hot stock everyone wants a piece of the action.
Does the same mentality apply to water and the Great Lakes?
Yes, because water is a hot commodity now, but for different reasons from the Wall Street crowd.
Those who wedge their way in on an initial public offering of a stock are motivated by… let’s be honest, money. Perhaps even greed.
The motives of business groups that work on water policy issues are often less clear, at least as publicly stated.
I’m referring to a new class of business-oriented groups that aren’t willing to leave water policy to elected officials and government agencies. They want to help shape and drive policy.
Here’s an example:
In Ohio, a brand spanking new organization has launched called Healthy Water Ohio.
Its initial press release says Healthy Water Ohio is a “diverse partnership of stakeholders from conservation, business and industry, universities, water suppliers, agriculture and others who will lead development of a 20- to 30-year management strategy to address water issues for Ohio.”
OK, welcome to the fray.
But water strategy is the province of governments — federal, state and local.
For example, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is on the cusp of releasing a water strategy for the Great Lakes state that has been more than a year in the making.
Elected officials and those they appoint to manage water resources are ultimately accountable to the citizens via the election process.
In spite of its lofty name, Healthy Water Ohio is primarily an agri-business group that on launch, gives the appearance of advancing agriculture’s agenda. If you doubt that check the funding.
Six of nine funding sources listed on its brochure are agricultural entities though the Ohio Farm Bureau’s Joe Cornely says “it isn’t pay to play.” “We’re working to engage organizations and individuals regardless of any financial support.”
The other actors onboard are there presumably to demonstrate a balanced, inclusive approach.
Further ag agenda proof on the media call came from references to what agricultural has done to address Ohio’s algae bloom problem. They were liberally dropped into the conversation.
Ohio farmers aren’t the first business group to dabble in water policy.
The Milwaukee Water Council… ooops, now The Water Council, says it serves “the world water hub.” That hub would be Milwaukee, in their opinion.
The Water Council’s membership is dominated by business. Like Healthy Water Ohio, it has a sprinkling of peripheral players. But make no mistake, the council is driven by business executives.
Its mission is to “align the regional fresh water research community and water-related industries to establish the Milwaukee region as the World Water Hub for water research, economic development, and education.”
There’s not much there to disagree with, though it would be nice to see “conservation” in the statement.
The council does have a water stewardship committee that mentions conservation. Curiously the committee is comprised of three attorneys from the same law firm. What’s up with that?
What should we make of the budding, business-driven water advocacy organizations?
I prefer that business and industry groups weren’t engaged on water policy, but that’s unrealistic. They’re big consumers of it and how they treat it has an impact on its quality and availability. Their voice will be heard.
Besides, environmental groups have had a seat at the table on water policy for years, why not business?
The key difference is that business-driven advocacy groups are ultimately responsible to a bottom line and shareholders. They’re fixated on growth, which means consumption.
Environmental not-for-profits don’t have to answer to those special interests and conservation is their priority.
They didn’t ask but here’s some friendly advice to the nascent business-oriented groups from a guy who worked for large corporation for 30 years.
Be transparent
Judging by its name Healthy Water Ohio could be any group interested in Ohio’s water. Why not call yourself what you are? How about Ohio Farmers for Healthy Water Policy or similar? The Water Council could be Milwaukee Business H2O or another clever name as long as it includes Milwaukee and business.
Be honest about your membership
When Healthy Water Ohio lists its members, the ag community is listed last. In reading their materials and engaging them during a press conference there is no doubt that it’s a group of and for the agricultural community. Seed money was provided by Ohio agricultural organizations dairy, cattle, soy and more. There’s nothing wrong with that, just own it.
Be honest about your objectives
I asked the Healthy Water Ohio executives if they would be advocates or did they just want to be a resource and educate. The answer was a soft maybe both. I doubt they’ll forgo the opportunity to be advocates. I wouldn’t if I put money and energy into what they say will be a 20-30 year effort. If you’re going to advocate, say it and let the public judge.
The Water Council says it’s focused on research, education and economic development. But what about commercialization of water as in corporate control of its distribution? Is that somewhere on the radar of some of the Water Council’s members? Remember the earlier point, be transparent.
Business ascending
Business is ascending in our society.
We’ve tasked business with creating jobs so we subsidize profitable companies with generous tax breaks hoping they will. Or minimally retain existing jobs. Or stay in the state where they’ve made their money.
The Supreme Court has given business rights previously reserved for citizens. Business has money to lobby and buy access to decision makers.
That’s our system for better or worse. We have to make the best of it or change it.
Now business is extending its tentacles to our most precious resource, water. That makes me nervous.
My early skepticism aside, I wish Healthy Water Ohio well and its timing may be good.
Ohio is a water mess with rampant algae blooms, dreadful beach health on Lake Erie and weak water withdrawal laws championed by a bottled water executive turned legislator.
Milwaukee is one of my favorite cities and the Water Council is making it a player in water circles. That’s good for the region. Now if it will prioritize conservation over consumption and stay away from privatization it may do good.
In some ways business is like water. It will go where it can.
In the end though, water policy belongs with elected officials who are accountable to the people.