Regarding the Tuesday article, “Debate resumes on water, industry”: It is business as usual for industries in Washington and Oregon. Industry has been allowed to pollute our land and waters for decades in exchange for jobs. Republicans are pushing for a comprehensive study of how much fish are being eaten so they and the industry interests they represent can get away with as much as possible, instead of protecting our citizens, lands and waters from becoming even greater wastelands.
In 1992, Washington state assumed the average intake of fish from our waters was 5.2 pounds per year. This very small amount is now known to be too high a standard for safe human consumption, but no action has been taken to protect Washington citizens because our state is being “held up” for jobs. Another article in the Herald cited that people need to minimize eating fish taken from certain parts of the Columbia River. A food crisis is already upon us as our food supply is full of man-made toxins. Our environment supports our health and is our true wealth because the Earth is our greatest resource.
The shortsightedness of the Republican Party, industries and even government must stop. If an industry pollutes, let them go somewhere else. We will get through the temporary turmoil it causes. Our area can become a model for environmentally friendly businesses to thrive. This is the only choice that makes sense for the health of our citizens now and in the long run.
Janis K. Wheeler
Everett
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
