When a Democratic administration is in power, it issues regs to save more land from development
from Bonnie Erbe at Scripps-Howard: http://www.timesherald.com/article/20120112/OPINION03/120119825
There is this game that is played every time control of the White House shifts from one party to the other. It probably happens in all federal agencies, but I have followed it most closely at the Department of the Interior. When a Democratic administration is in power, it issues regulations to save more land from development. When a Republican administration is in power. it undoes the work of the prior Democratic administration to open up the land to commercial interests, whether for drilling or mining or development and so on. Then it proceeds to open up or sell off more federal land. Then the Democratic administration proceeds to protect the land left unprotected by the GOP, and so it goes.
Democrats argue the Grand Canyon is a national icon that must be protected against the eventuality that a mining disaster could destroy parts of the canyon or pollute the Colorado River that flows through it. Republicans cry the 20-year ban will cost our energy-hungry nation billions of dollars worth of uranium ore and block the creation of 465 jobs. But they ignore the economic engine that is the national park. That engine could be destroyed by a mining accident, particularly one involving radiation. The park attracts more than 4 million visitors each year and generates $3.5 billion in regional income . . .
There is also one other major factor at stake that I believe Republicans ignore at their peril. The Colorado River is the major water source for 26 million Americans in seven states. It is also the principal water source for Phoenix and Los Angeles and three large agricultural valleys in California, including the Imperial Valley. Can you imagine the impact of a mining accident along the Colorado? It would be catastrophic. It is unfathomable to try to envision no water for 26 million people and the businesses that serve them, as well as food production brought to a halt at some of the nation’s most important growing centers . . .
It’s a sad, sad commentary on today’s GOP that party leaders have either forgotten or shed their TR roots. Luckily for the Grand Canyon, the Obama administration is finally taking a bold stand on a matter of great importance to our environment and to the 26 million Americans who rely on the Colorado for water . . .
read article: http://www.timesherald.com/article/20120112/OPINION03/120119825
related:
President Obama holds strong to protect Grand Canyon from uranium mining
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002141907