A long note from Editor Ken Harwood!

With all the discussion on the EPA, Great Lakes, Deep Wells, Phosphorus, and other environmental concerns on the table today, a friend mentioned that during the previous administration "environmentalists" also failed to step up on issues when they could have mad a huge difference. Now we are outraged by attempts to eliminate or hamstring government agencies in favor of a pro business agenda.

He suggested that Asian Carp remains a huge problem to this day, and is having a real impact on or rivers, commerce, tourism, and water quality. Yet because there was no one to blame we dropped the ball and have done little or nothing. This is a great point, are we interested in protecting our environment or punishing those businesses we think are responsible.

I will once again suggest that we MUST work together on sound environmental solutions on all issues rather than point fingers and blame others. I want the EPA to continue to advocate for a better environment. I would also suggest in political times where the EPA could go after business, they did and often the environment was not at the top of the agenda. The Fox River comes to mind.

So here is my challenge to the current administrations at all levels of government. Rather than punish the agencies you feel punished business reestablish the balance that creates  a clean environment and supports business and jobs. Build your wall between our lakes, wetlands and rivers and work with the polluting businesses like we did once before with amazing results. Use your global business acumen to establish policy that prevents pollution and jobs from being pushed to the countries with the least resistance. 

Oh and by the way, it will take far more than government, we all need to become leaders advocating for each other and our grandchildren.
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Ken Notes: Thanks Steve for pointing this out.