Effecting the Environment

From April 23, 2009:

To Congress,

We need to be very cautious when we seek to effect the environment. We simply do not know enough. We have a multitude of theories, but they are only theories. They are not proven fact. Changes we make which effect the environment, even with the best intentions, can have unexpected and undesired results. Dr. Shindell's (NASA Goddard Institute of Space Studies) research indicates that Arctic warming in large part was created by laws introduced to improve air quality and fight acid rain. Sulfur emissions were limited and without sulfates too many of the sun's rays were entering the atmosphere instead of being reflected out. The government is now considering a plan to replace these sulfates. I repeat, we do not know enough.

In the 1970's, we were told another Ice Age was coming. Now we have global warming. However, the Antarctic ice mass is increasing and temperatures have been decreasing for the last 10 years. Some have actually said that this decrease only proves global warming. No doubt they also believe in little green men from Mars. This climate pattern had been repeated for many, many years. I repeat, we do not know enough.

Proposed solar power sites in California and Nevada are being objected to by Park Services, which says they will adversely effect the aquifer, and plant and animal life, and is an unwise use of land. I repeat, we do not know enough.

When we seek to change our environment, we need to proceed very cautiously and carefully consider what the effect will be. There is an old saying: Don't fool with Mother Nature.

Signed,
The Electorate