Lawmakers in Georgia have introduced a bill in the U.S. Congress to suspend Endangered Species Act protections in times of extreme drought, arguing it would help average folks and businesses cope with the serious water woes now plaguing parts of the U.S. Southeast. Georgia's congressional delegation rallied around the proposal, calling it a "common sense" solution to the state's plight. However, if passed, the bill would apply nationwide, allowing states across the country to seek exemptions from the ESA when their governor or the secretary of the army declares that a drought is threatening human health, welfare, and safety.
sources:
Cautious optimism for Copenhagen deal as Barcelona climate talks end
Another coal plant bites the dust
Barcelona outcome: White House strategy is plea for more time
Comments
View as Flat
Yrrab Posted 8:48 am
17 Oct 2007
Permalink
catman Posted 9:26 pm
17 Oct 2007
'Common sense' would suggest that Georgia should have planned it's growth with limits to water availability in mind.
It'll be interesting to see whether Alabama and Florida think it's common sense to give their water to Georgia.
It's not about water for mussels and sturgeon, it's about development.
Permalink
SMLowry Posted 4:29 am
19 Oct 2007
Permalink
caniscandida Posted 6:11 am
19 Oct 2007
finding the right balance between federal and state governments on what they may and may not regulate has always been tricky. In this case, if your point is that the state of Georgia has the right to abrogate the Endangered Species Act, because it prevents the Georgians from "deciding their own fate," you have got it wrong, just as the Confederacy had got it wrong.
There are certain goods that have a universal character, and that can be said to belong to all humanity, now and into the future, but for the care of which particular local communities are directly responsible. Those communities certainly have the right to provide for their own well-being. But they most certainly do NOT have the right to do that by violating the rights of others, and desecrating their own sacred responsibilities.
Permalink