Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Top Issues for 2009

In 2009 there will be several competing priorities that will shape the upcoming year's environmental agenda. I don't think anything of them can be addressed exclusive from each other. Alternative energy will require dealing with transportation issues and if we include biofuels that extends to agriculture. No agriculture issue can be dealt without realizing the extent of the impact on water use and pollution. Then everything ties back into the consumption-based economic model we are using. Don't forget air pollution and global warming.

A comprehensive program will not fit with the incremental approach of government and will be a major shift from what has been done. Is the public prepared? Will the economy adapt with it? Every element that is changed creates great uncertainty when framed in our current expectations.

So where do we begin?

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