The GOP War on the Environment

[marmar]

from Consortium News:



The GOP War on the Environment
August 2, 2011

An article of faith on the American Right is that the “free market” can solve pretty much all problems and the government should simply get out of the way. After the debt-limit crisis, the Republicans turn to the environment, writes Don Monkerud.

By Don Monkerud


As the nation’s attention remains riveted on the Republican attempt to downsize government by refusing to raise the national debt limit, the GOP is working through the backdoor to destroy protections for the environment.

In a study that reveals the Republican pledge to protect business interests at all costs, the Center for Media and Democracy recently analyzed 800 bills supported by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

This secretive group consists of big businesses and conservatives who influence state legislatures around the country to lower wages and taxes on business, and weaken environmental protection that could crimp profits.

Undoing efforts to address climate change is a major priority of ALEC sponsors such as Koch Industries, Exxon Mobil, Wal-Mart, AT&T and Peabody Energy. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://consortiumnews.com/2011/08/02/the-gop-war-on-the-environment/