 We can question how many
$50,000-per-year jobs Foxconn might deliver, and debate whether 2043 is
soon enough to break even on taxpayers’ $3 billion in subsidies, but
here’s a more basic question of greater consequence: Why waive or relax Wisconsin’s wetland and waterway regulations for a company before we even know where to pour its foundation? Why
rush to undo statutory protections for these natural resources across
an entire region? Shouldn’t we wait to see if they’d even interfere with
Foxconn’s eventual 1,000-acre site in southeastern Wisconsin?.. ANOTHER VIEW: ...more
Ken Notes: 100`s of editorials are now in print regarding Foxconn. Here is what I ask of everyone including Foxconn to consider:
Recognize that our environment is a precious commodity.
Understand that the review process for a major project can be a arduous and time consuming process.
The intent here is to clear a path for an expedited project to reduce costs and improve timelines.
Any company, regardless of legislative action to expedite a project, ultimately remains liable for damage to the environment (the paper companies come to mind).
A change in legislative majority may cause Past projects to be reviewed and held accountable. (the paper companies come to mind)
Foxconn is aware of this.
Foxconn also needs natural resources like water and power.
Wisconsin was able to offer these and removed some of the strings normally attached.
While the legislature has a difficult decision to make, it will be made considering economics not the environment.
Our job is to advocate FOR the environment NOT against Foxconn.(the paper companies come to mind)
If any project receives permission to remove wetlands lets ask for the restoration and return to the public trust or wetlands be made to more than offset the impact.
If a project uses water let the company ensure that treatment is in place and sufficient to return the effluent to the watershed in better condition than when it was taken. (CAFO`s come to mind)
If a company uses an abundance of power, lets ask them to offset the production with a sustainable greener system.
I guess what I am asking for is a different approach to environmental advocacy, lets make business and government work for us rather than see us as the enemy...
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