THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 7, 1995 TAG: 9505050017
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
May I expand on several points made in the articles ``Environmentalist recalls gains, casts a wary eye on the future'' and ``Too much environmentalism, or not enough''?
Many Virginians from all political and social persuasions have joined organizations that address real problems affecting our environment, which in turn affects our communities, our public health, our quality of life and our economy.
These supporters and activists deserve our collective thanks rather than the derision of state officials.
To dismiss or stereotype such people, as Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Becky Dunlop has, is a severe injustice. Her suggestion that environmentalists ``have a victory parade and just go home'' demonstrates deep disregard for those many citizens who have contributed greatly to our commonwealth.
Efforts to restore the Elizabeth River, enhance the Rappahannock River region, install fish passageways on the James River, clean up our beaches, educate our schoolchildren on the environment and protect the barrier islands are a few of the successful and ongoing initiatives spearheaded by environmentalists and environmental groups.
Knowledgable observers form other parts of the United States have stated that a primary reason for the success in the Chesapeake Bay region relative to others is due to the efforts of private groups such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay in galvanizing citizen and decision-makers' support.
Given the current rhetoric and actions in Richmond and in Washington, it is clear that government alone cannot, and in many instances will not, be the sole environmental caretaker.
Calling today's environmental activists ``fearmongers'' who create misleading reports, may make for a good sound bite but it patently ignores the value and credibility of the overwhelming majority of constructive and reasonable persons involved in the environmental community.
Furthermore, such statements suggest that real problems do not exist or that only government and business has a right to point them out.
Rather than dismissing environmental concerns, leadership by those in charge is greatly needed to address the significant problems Virginia faces.
Declining oyster and fisheries populations, slowing conversions of forests and prime farmland, improving the state's waters, reducing non-point-source pollution, reducing the amount of toxics released to the environment, upgrading sewage-treatment facilities, protecting vital groundwater supplies, and restoring the Chesapeake Bay are issues we cannot ignore.
A partnership between government, the private sector and citizens and their representatives is necessary if advances are to take place. Anyone who underestimates the public's desire for clean water, clean air and sound land-use practices tremendously misunderstands the pervasive public concerns that poll after poll have reaffirmed exist.
An article in a popular magazine noted, ``The future has no advocates.'' For the sake of our environment, we should be thankful so many Virginians are wiling to look beyond today and see the potential for a better government.
JOSEPH H. MAROON
Virginia executive director
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Richmond, May 1, 1995 by CNB