The War Against State Environmental Protection

Although much of the attention has been on Congress, states have also seen major budget-cutting efforts, with a disproportionate amount of cuts targeted on state environmental agencies.  As the NY Times reports,

Governor LePage summed up the animus while defending his program in a radio address. “Maine’s working families and small businesses are endangered,” he said. “It is time we start defending the interests of those who want to work and invest in Maine with the same vigor that we defend tree frogs and Canadian lynx.”

When Republicans wrested control across the country last November, they made clear that reducing all government was important, but that cutting environmental regulations was a particular priority.

At one time, younger readers may be surprised to learn, the environment was a bipartisan concern.  Those days seem to be long gone.  Alas,  protecting public health from pollution and protecting nature from rampant destruction have now become partisan issues.

environmental funding, Republican Party, state environmental law