Many members of Congress argue that exiting environmental protection regulations are ineffective, expensive and encumber economic growth. Lobbyists promote the interests of industries who state regulations will have a negative economic impact on the economy. Over twenty-five years ago experts argued that environmental protection regulations calling for a reduction in airborne pollutants would have a major impact on the economy. Ignoring the pundits’ predictions, President Reagan passed legislation phasing out leaded gasoline. With this phase out, airborne levels of lead dropped by 85% and levels of other airborne pollutants [sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide] and particulates also dropped significantly. The economic impact was negligible. Again ignoring pundits’ predictions, Reagan supported and signed the Montreal Protocol calling for the global phase out of all chlorofluorocarbons. Following the signing of the protocol Reagan wrote, “This is an historic agreement”. The United States would be a much different country If Reagan listened to the pundits and did not pass the environmental protection regulations of the 1980s. I will be the first to agree that existing regulations need to be reworked. However, they need to be reworked because they are no longer effective in protecting the environment and not because they encumber economic growth. The economy, the country and the world at large, benefit from a cleaner healthy environment. While Scientists cannot agree on the direct cause of global temperature increases many do agree that green house gases factor into the equation. Whether greenhouse gases have a direct or indirect impact on global warming, we need to put in place regulations that will reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. What we do today impacts the future and the legacy we leave behind for our children and grandchildren. Reagan knew this in the 1980s when he passed unpopular environmental protection legislation. I oppose Cap and Trade, it does little or nothing to address environmental issues. I will introduce and support legislation that promotes a healthy environment, legislation that promotes technologies that produce clean energy and legislation that protects our waterways, natural resources and promotes the redevelopment (restoration and reuse of contaminated lands) of brownfields, Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for this generation must include the protection of the environment for the next generation. ### |