Things are happening so fast in Washington, that it's nearly impossible for us normal people to process it. I've heard that so many lies are emanating from the Executive branch that the fact-checkers are facing exhaustion. One thing is perfectly clear, however: the environment is under attack.
Last week President Trump signed an act of Congress rolling back the stream protection rule, a regulation to protect streams from mining pollution. Yes, this really happened. This will, in effect, allow coal waste to be dumped into rivers.
I have seen and heard arguments about why this should be good for jobs, industry and preventing governmental overreach. I have seen and heard that we can "have a clean environment without needless regulation." I have heard the assertion that this rule was only put in place by President Obama in the last days of his Administration. Here is what I have to say to the Republicans and their new President about these justifications.
You have no moral or ethical justification whatsoever. Greed has won this battle, even as the war continues. In what Universe is it okay to dump coal waste in streams? How do you pass a law like this, and then face your children and grandchildren?
Now comes the next phase of the assault on clean air and water. Senate Republicans have confirmed Scott Pruitt as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, an agency that he and President Trump have promised to dismantle.
To my Republican friends, I have to ask: you are presumably getting what you asked for. What has happened to your human decency?
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