It’s never too late to make New Year’s resolutions and once again mine pertain directly to our personal health and well-being. I don’t mean more trips to the gym and fewer to the refrigerator. Instead, I propose keeping our elected officials apprised that protection of natural habitats and native wildlife needs to be on the front burner. Also, those we have placed in charge have a responsibility to ensure that our shared natural resources of air and water stay clean. I have heard of proposals here and there at local, state and federal levels of government that would benefit a few at a cost to the many. If carried out, from county to national levels, the effect on the natural environment would be regrettable and would in turn adversely affect us all.

As a prime example at the federal level, substantive changes that might be forthcoming in the Environmental Protection Agency are uncertain. But any rumblings that we need to weaken the oversight and rulings by this critical government program should be cause for alarm. And the idea proposed by some of abolishing the EPA entirely is beyond alarming; it is absurd and would be inherently irresponsible for any member of Congress to support. A worthwhile New Year’s resolution would be to oppose any legislation that even hints at getting rid of a government agency that limits assaults on the environment from unchecked commercial greed. The outcomes from a weakened EPA would be detrimental to the majority of U.S. citizens.

As I have noted before, specters of what would happen by gutting the authority of the EPA are disquieting. Do we really want to curb EPA regulations that prevent mining wastes from being dumped into clear-flowing mountain streams? Do we want streams that trout and other aquatic wildlife can no longer live in? I don’t think so. President Richard Nixon had it right when he formed the EPA in 1970 and signed the Clean Water Act in 1972.

Another suggestion has been to reduce EPA air quality regulations. Such regulations limit emissions that result in undesirable outcomes such as acid rain, smog and lung cancer. Think about it. In the 1960s in Gary, Indiana, and Birmingham, Alabama, you could not see buildings half a mile away because of the smoke and soot filling the air. President Nixon did the right thing when he signed the Clean Air Act in 1970. Weakening regulatory features of the EPA would definitely not be an improvement. Clean air and clean water are crucial for maintaining the quality of life we have come to expect.

I suggest everyone resolve to keep our country’s natural heritage and a healthy environment as priorities for the coming year. Keep an eye on proposed changes in any program that can affect the environment in your community, your region, your nation. Resolve to challenge your congressional representatives when you hear of a proposal that would diminish the effectiveness of maintaining standards for potable water and unpolluted air.

Make a resolution to get the facts when politicians start making promises they claim will help everybody. Do not fall for the political ploy that the economy will be boosted and jobs created if environmental regulations are weakened or eliminated. Look, instead, at who would benefit from the loosening of any given environmental regulation. Someone will be making money. But you can be sure it won’t be you and me. We will be stuck with murky skies, undrinkable water and habitats in which our native wildlife cannot survive.

I have used the EPA as an example, but bad things could be happening environmentally in your community, your county or your state. Resolve to pay attention to what would happen to your air, water and ecosystems if certain regulations are eliminated. Will a proposed change be in the best public interest or does it financially benefit only a few special interest groups? Make environmental resolutions for yourself and future generations—and have a happy new year. 

Send environmental questions to ecoviews@gmail.com.