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Dear GEAA Members and Friends,
I was looking back at past Earth Day posts this morning after a friend reposted this very grim Earth Day message I sent to GEAA members in 2013.
When people kill random innocents it is called “terrorism”. When corporations do it, it is called “an industrial accident”. The juxtaposition of deadly events this week – the bombing at the Boston marathon and the explosion at West Fertilizer Company – beg a serious rethinking of the role of government in protecting public health and welfare. Both events were similar in the numbers of dead and injured. The Boston bombing has provoked action nationwide aimed at protecting the public. Today I received a notice that backpacks and large purses would not be permitted entry into “Night in Old San Antonio”, San Antonio’s four-day Street party. Planners of large events, police, and our governmental agencies have reacted swiftly to prevent another such outrage. Sadly, a dysfunctional permitting process managed by the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ) provides little protection for the citizens of Texas, as demonstrated by the explosion of the West Fertilizer Company that wiped out five city blocks in West, Texas…I hope our legislators aren’t so tone deaf as to pass a resolution expressing sympathy for the victims of the West Fertilizer Company explosion – for they are responsible for the conditions that permitted this to happen.
Things haven’t changed all that much in Texas in the nine years since this was written. Still, I have seen many positive developments during the 17 years I have spent with GEAA. We are working with a great group of Texans to take advantage of the legislature’s Sunset process to effect meaningful change at TCEQ. To learn more about these efforts and how you can help, click here.
We have lots more friends in 2022 than we did in 2004, and people are much more conversant with issues related to managing our water resources. Wide spread consensus is forming on how to address the mounting challenges presented by unprecedented growth in our communities and the immediacy of climate change.
All in all, though conditions are getting more serious, I am feeling more chipper today that I was five years ago, when America was discussing whether windmills cause cancer. Yes, we have come a long way in a short time. I truly believe that if we all pitch in to advocate for change and change our lifestyles, we can save this beautiful earth that we celebrate today.
Happy Earth Day! Have a wonderful weekend!
