Smog Regulations Put on Hold
The Obama Administration’s recent decision to withdraw proposed regulations aimed at tightening the nation’s air pollution standards has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists. Particularly frustrating, is the administration’s claim that such regulations would have a negative effect on job creation and economic growth. We would welcome comments listing and/or describing media texts that visualize air pollution. Where do we go looking for smog? As inspiration, check out this segment from a 1978 news broadcast from KHJ News Los Angeles. After a discussion of national politics, including plans to implement President Carter’s energy initiative, the broadcast focuses on efforts to clean up the air in LA. Feels like we keep moving in circles sometimes but it’s also important to remember the progress that has been made:
On September 16 the administration announced that it is also postponing plans to implement new greenhouse gas regulations. There may be many reasons for this decision but its becoming increasingly difficult not to notice the administration giving way to the argument that environmental regulation harms economic development.
There are some interesting ideas that resonate with what you’re talking about, Steve, in this article in the NYTimes, “Whatever Happened to Global Warming?” Apparently the number of Americans who “believe” in global warming has dropped precipitously in recent years, which no doubt becomes part of political decision making.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/16/sunday-review/whatever-happened-to-global-warming.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&ref=science
I’m really interested in the question you’re asking–how we make the invisible visible, how to keep ecological problems present when they’re hard to see. Thanks for the post!