Tips: How Green Is Your Vacation?

HERE'S JUST ONE MORE EXAMPLE OF THE THEOLOGY OF THE STATE RELIGION OF ENVIRONMENTALISM...

Access roads are being closed or prohibited on tens of millions of acres of "public lands" by the EPA, Forest Service and litigation by various extremist enviro groups. Campgrounds, streams, lake and rivers are being completely closed or recreational activities being severely limited.

Natural gas, oil and precious metals extraction operations are being closed down and prohibited - costing thousands of well paying jobs.

Just last week environmental groups hailed a decision from the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld a law prohibiting roads on nearly 50 million acres. Tell me, how are the old, infirm, handicapped, young children or couples with a baby are supposed to have access to these off limits areas? Would American accept this disenfranchisement in any other sector of our society?

Recently, in Montana, an Australian company wanted to bring revenue and jobs to the state by developing mineral resources. The area was used for mining and drilling in the 60's and 70's but is now 200 yards inside a roadless study area. The Forest Service was willing to offer a conditional drilling/mining permit. However, among the 25 pages of requiremnets were the following conditions;

* The drill sites must be cleared using hand tools,

* The drilling equipment and fuel must be transported to the site by a team of pack mules,

* The mules must be fed certified weed-free hay, and

* Drill site and trail reclamation must be done using hand tools.

After more than 20 months of applications and forms the company finally admitted defeat.

How can a company, or America itself, remain competitive in a global marketplace when we are required to use pick axes and mules? How does this help America’s heavy equipment manufacturers like Caterpillar or John Deer?

More regulatory madness - little wonder our nation is foundering.

The question is, does America have the political will to dump extreme regulations, promote energy independence, create jobs and preserve outdoor access and recreational opportunities - or will we simply allow these areas to be lost forever to both the public and for economic benefit?

Do we really want to lock away our national resources and go on pretending that "Green Jobs", crippling regulations, closed roads, lost jobs, and prohibitions on access and recreation are going to make America a better place?

We need the pendulum to swing back to center - away from Environmentalist extremism - to the middle ground of responsible environmental stewardship - not worship.

As always, remember, "Going Green Has Gone Too Far".

R.L. Schaefer of CA 12:24PM October 31, 2011