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Haley Barbour on Environment
Former Republican MS Governor (until 2012)
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Improving, rebuilding & renewing our coast, post-Katrina
A job that won’t be finished for a while is the rebuilding and renewal of our Coast after Katrina. Our state bore the brunt of the worst natural disaster in American history. I remember flying over in a helicopter the morning after the storm; it looked a
if the hand of God had wiped away the Coast; in some places for blocks, in some places for miles. Yet there were many reasons for hope & optimism:- Great work by local officials & first volunteers;
- Wonderful efforts by hundreds of thousands of
volunteers, who are still coming;
- Unprecedented amounts of federal funds: more than $25 billion so far.
But the most important reason I’m not only optimistic but absolutely confident about Mississippi’s future is the spirit and character of our
people. We got knocked down hard, but Mississippians got right back up, and went to work, helping themselves and helping their neighbors. In the process, Mississippi’s response to Katrina has done more than anything else to improve the image of our state
Source: Speech at the Neshoba County Fair
, Jul 26, 2007
Rely on voluntary incentives to solve environmental problems
Environmental problems do exist, and environmental concerns are important. Environmental policy should rely on the natural incentives of private individuals cooperating through voluntary associations. Policy should empower millions of individuals to
protect their environment. No amount of coercion will save the planet if the average person truly wants to destroy it. Fortunately, the simple fact is that people everywhere desire a safe and clean environment.
Source: Agenda for America, by Gov. Haley Barbour, p. 79-80
, Apr 25, 1996
Kangaroo rats are not more important than people's homes
The Endangered Species Act has become a powerful tool in the hands of those who want to stop growth or any use such as is historically found on farms, ranches, and forests. One of the reasons the act is so invasive is that species-listing decisions
aren't always based on proven scientific standards. We favor an intelligent policy of species conservation. To put human families out of their homes for the kangaroo rat is just plain wrong.
Source: Agenda for America, by Gov. Haley Barbour, p. 83-84
, Apr 25, 1996
Allow drilling in ANWR
The responsible development of US oil and gas reserves should be encouraged. Energy security as a continuing national goal cannot be ignored. We must make energy security a national objective.
For example, the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) with its evidence of immense oil and gas reserves should be opened to oil and gas exploration.
Source: Agenda for America, by Gov. Haley Barbour, p. 94-95
, Apr 25, 1996
"Sustainable development" represents a scarcity mentality
A new environmental policy will require that we reconsider some of the fundamentals. For example, a chief flaw of current policy is that it is built on a sustainable development concept. This represents a scarcity mentality.
The sustainable development model postulates a static quantity of scarce resources that must be carefully husbanded. However, we know that in many cases scientific discoveries have changed the equation.
Because of our reliance on the sustainable development concept, we have a tendency to control output, to restrict material and energy use instead of ensuring that residuals are not dumped on the property of others.
We have focused on emissions reduction rather than pollution prevention.
Source: Agenda For America, by Haley Barbour, p. 71
, Apr 25, 1996
1982 Law of the Sea treaty is socialistic and ill-considered
In March 1983, Pres. Reagan issued a proclamation confirming American sovereign rights and control over all living and nonliving resources within 200 miles of US coasts. Reagan's actions were a sound alternative to the ill-considered 1982 United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea. This UN proposal would create a socialistic system of control and regulation of the seas. It embodies an outmoded 1970s view of the world. Reagan would not approve the convention. It should not be ratified.
If the nation is to realize the full potential of President Reagan's vision, we must create a forward-looking oceans policy that recognizes our many and complicated interests. Our National Oceans Policy must ensure that we retain robust scientific
research capabilities, both in government and in universities. An appropriate oceans policy will replace the current bewilderingly fragmented patchwork of laws and regulations that prevents American firms from fully utilizing the ocean's vast potential.
Source: Agenda For America, by Haley Barbour, p.277-278
, Apr 25, 1996
Page last updated: Apr 25, 2013