In the wake of this surprising and unfortunate national election, environmental groups, among many others, have to think hard and deeply -- and act quickly. Several conclusions are clear and worrisome:
* The worst environmental Administration in our nation's history did not affect people's choice of issues on which to select a President. In other words, environment is not a priority to most voters. What does that say about the value of clean water and air -- or the ability of environmental interests to articulate that value?
* Non tax-exempt environmental groups clearly aligned themselves with one of the best environmental advocates who has ever run for President, John Kerry. That means the national GOP has absolutely no incentive to work with those groups. Some of our most cherished protections (the ones that remain after the first four years) are at grave risk.
* Combining the first two points yields this: environmentalism must honestly and openly acknowledge its mistakes and come up with a new approach -- very fast. Do not expect the triumphant Administration to hesitate now. But let us hope for a more conciliatory and magnanimous attitude than it displayed the first four years.
Posted by Dave at November 3, 2004 09:30 AM