As has been evidenced this year, citizens can't count on the state's Environmental Protection Division to lead in protecting our natural resources or health from pollution. In the past few days our state Attorney General has filed two briefs opposing rules which will significantly reduce toxins in the air we breath and the water we count on for so many things.
So, I wonder, why isn't the Department of Public Health (DPH) speaking out in favor of tighter pollution regulations and oversight? The DPH web site says,"DPH is the lead department entrusted by the people of the state of Georgia with the ultimate responsibility for the health of the communities and the entire population."
Even their own data reflect high rates of birth defects (mercury is a neurotoxin), cancer, heart and lung disease, and stroke, all of which can result from exposure to dirty air. Can they not figure out that coal plants are pumping TONS of hazardous pollutants into the air each year? Have they not noticed because the policy makers are in Atlanta at 2 Peachtree Street? They don't see the coal stacks from their back yard or wipe coal ash dust from their front porch rocking chairs each day.
Is there ANY state agency in Georgia that is really invested in protecting our health, our air, and our water, from the pollution and health effects that have been documented for decades?
Just wondering.
There are so many things wrong with the state suing for dirtier air and water. Georgia's once healthy environment is going to take a hit from this, if it wins, and from the bad publicity, if it doesn't.
ReplyDeleteEarning millions of dollars is not as simple as hiding the facts from your customers and investors and then polluting all you want.
Once Georgia's area health, air, and clean water is gone for good, bad publicity will be the least of Georgia's problems. State Auditors should be on top of this and documenting the damage to encourage the legislature to change its course on enforcement. The elected officials in the state of Georgia should get these Polluters to pay a hefty fine and enforce corrective actions instead of worrying over where someone lights up a cigarette & how to tax it.
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