Reply #34: And the bummer is, this was a big deal during the Carter admin.

[C_Lawyer09]

We were extremely proactive at that time, and then energy independence languished. All the agencies that provide big time knowledge, obersight, and regulation have been systematically gutted since 1980. Read the Thomas Franks book, "The Wrecking Crew" for some good and interesting back story. Constant privatization has slowly but surely put the Feds at the mercy of the corporations. The federal govt. has succumbed to group think on a large scale, and over reliance on the same 'ol experts. Look what happened when the DOS instituted the debaathification process in Iraq. Made millions of new enemies overnight.

Realistically we are facing so many crisis right now that I don't think we are ready or equipped to respond adequately too one. I guarantee there are many braniacs, probably eccentrics out there whom have some awesome engineering ideas/expertise that will never be heard. Why? Because BP execs and many beholden govt. officials prefer a leak proof echo chamber regardless of the tragic damage. The only truth I believe in now, is that environmental challenges in the future will become our number one concern. They are coming. We can be ready or not.