D.C. Watch

On the Flip Side: “When Environmentalists Win, our Economy Suffers”

This statement is not entirely inaccurate, and I am not saying it just to get your attention, but if it helps, oh well.

The act of restoring our environment usually involves a “good deed” and a lot of money. More often, the clean up “cost” comes out of consumers’ pockets who are neither directly responsible for the problem nor in any way direct beneficiaries of the clean up. I say “direct(ly)” because individuals are not capable of creating global scale environmental damage (although we collectively do) and we seldom ‘plan’ to tackle issues that may surface past our life time.

With that said, I want to draw your attention to a recent incident in Alaska, which, might substantiate my earlier statements.

Prudhoe Bay oil field in Alaska shutdown following the discovery of spills in the oil transit lines. Environmental groups and the US EPA went after BP, the operators of the pipeline. BP, quaintly admitted negligence and decided to shut the line. This disrupted oil supplies, sending the crude oil market up, resulting in increased gasoline prices, possibly for the next few years.

Alaska generates over 90 percent of its income from oil. Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski announced a statewide hiring freeze today until BP starts resumes supply in full capacity. Until then Alaska will lose $6.5 million a day.

Consequently, Alaskans will lose revenue, livelihood and have a contaminated eco-system. Consumers like you and I will indirectly pay for the clean up at the gas pump in the form of high gasoline prices. BP however, will pay a fine, clean the mess at our cost and still generate profits.

So when environmentalists win, our economy suffers, see.

Tags: News, Oil Spill, EPA, Oil, Activism, Conserve, Sustainability, Environment, Alaska

Posted by Moderator on August 10th, 2006 filed in Activism, Alaska, Conserve, EPA, Environment, News, Oil, Oil Spill, Sustainability Discuss now »