Business as usual

Once again we face that time of the year when politicians use back-door methods to pass anti-environmental legislation. Congress knows popular support for protecting our natural heritage of parks and forests is so strong a full frontal attack on the laws which protect our public lands would be political suicide. That’s why every summer more members of Congress repeatedly resort to burying their attacks on public lands deep within the Interior Appropriations bill as “riders.”

Unfortunately, this summer is emerging as business as usual in Washington. Riders to several massive spending bills have already been passed: punching a road through the Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico, allowing motorized access to two walking trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and allowing a road to be built in that marvelous treasure, Denali National Park.

These have opened the floodgates for further riders. More are expected: to allow roads through Alaska’s wilderness and the commercial development of Alaska’s forests. Others will halt scientific studies and grizzly bear recovery plans.

Without a doubt, there will be other riders which mysteriously appear as the summer ages. We hope Sens. Olumpia Snowe and Susan Collins and Rep. John Baldacci opt for a legislatively open approach that allows for lively debate and rigorous public review. Back-door, anti-environmental riders only muddy the clear waters of our democracy. Bill and Marilyn Voorhies West Tremont