You have probably heard about the possible federal takeover of our state’s environmental agency. Can anyone explain to me why the average citizen in Alabama would not be better off if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took over the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM)?
As a member of the Governor’s Alabama Commission on Environmental Initiatives (ACEI) I would welcome the takeover. As one who loves to paddle, swim, and fish Alabama’s creeks and rivers I welcome it even more. As one who is concerned about the physical health of Alabama’s citizens I heartily welcome it.
The protection of our water is abysmal. Not only do we spend less to protect our water than any other state, there are a lot of interests that like it that way. When our ACEI looked for consensus issues to present the Governor the primary agenda items rejected by business interests were any items which had to do with ADEM reform or increasing funds for ADEM.
It appears that just as the Federal Government had to force Alabama to end segregation it is going to have to force us to protect our environment. In the 1960’s the Federal Government acted because the State refused and now most Alabamians would agree that intervention was a good thing. In the long run Alabama would be better off if the EPA would take over ADEM.
Please consider the truism that we are what we eat, drink, and breathe. Our state is doing an inadequate job guarding us against pollution. Our health and the health of our children is the issue. A better managed environment equals better health for people.
I do not think anyone can explain to me how we would be better off without EPA control. I wish the ADEM Director Jim Warr would try.
Jimmy Palmer, the EPA regional administrator, was running Mississippi’s environmental protection department when it was taken over and he saw great strides of improvement. Come back to Alabama Jimmy with your EPA staff and help us out!
The Rev. Mark Johnston
Nauvoo
A health study
I am writing to speak my concerns about the lead and pollution in our community. It’s time we get some help with a health study instead of the state worrying about lotteries, slot machines, and education. Our children’s health, in my opinion, is at risk and we need to stand up and speak out to all federal, state and local agencies, concerning our children here in Anniston. If we don’t, nothing else is going to matter to anyone.
As far as I am concerned, my children are special and I’m concerned that maybe that is why most of the children in this community have asthma. My children never were sick with asthma until about a year after moving to Anniston.
I hope that maybe this community will see that our eyes should focus on our children.
Teresa Branham
Alexandria
