EnvironmentalUtopia-CitizensAllianceforResponsible.docVIP

Environmental Utopia What Would Life be Like If the Environmentalists Were in Charge? An analysis done by CARE Citizens Alliance for Responsible Energy Marita Noon, Executive Director John McCulloch, Research Assistant 505.239.8998 “We have a vision of rivers and streams running so clear and clean that you can bend a knee to the water, cup your hands, and drink without fear.” This idyllic scene is the goal posted on one environmental group’s website. Another defines their goal as, “explore, enjoy and protect wild places of the earth.” Yet another says they want to “protect all wildlife and plants in their natural communities.” Continuing the “protection” theme, two others state that they exist for the “protection of the forests, rivers, deserts and grasslands,” while the other is “to protect our water and air, our public lands, our rural character, and our unique quality of life.” I want to go there. Don’t you? Who doesn’t want to live in a place with clean water? Who wouldn’t want to live in a natural community with rural character and a unique quality of life? In this utopia there would be wildlife and plants, forests, rivers, deserts and grasslands. While the environmental groups do not state this, I am sure this environmental utopia would have cherubic children frolicking in fields of daisies while baby bunnies nibble on the fresh green grass moistened by summer showers. Gentle breezes would blow and the sun’s rays would glisten off the sparkling stream as it gurgles over granite stones. Puffy clouds in the shapes of flowers, hearts, and even Mickey Mouse would float by. We all want a green earth, clean water, fresh air and a safe food supply. Wouldn’t it be great if we could quit fighting all the evils in the world, suddenly wave a magic wand and grant all of these environmental groups their wishes? Wouldn’t the world be a prettier place, a perfect paradise? Does it sound too good to be true? It is. A deeper study of the aforementioned environmental groups—plu