Balancing Economy & The Environment As Earth Day Approaches
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - As we approach the 46th observance of Earth Day some people are asking about ways to balance the Texas economy and the environment.
From fights with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over coal fired power plants to urban smog, Texas economist Ray Perryman says an equitable balance is possible. He said, "I've been involved in a number of these discussions over the years and inevitably there is a workable solution that both preserves the environment and allows economic progress as well, because we need both in order to be a healthy and sustainable society."
While Perryman admits efforts to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and the like are needed, he doesn't necessarily agree with the some of the implementations of new rules and initiatives. He does suggest that proponents and opponents, "Stop and think about just how valuable and important the earth is and how things like climate change are very real and need to be addressed."
Earlier this year environmentalists claimed victory after an appeals panel in Washington rebuffed efforts to delay enforcement of President Barack Obama's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an order denying requests for a stay that would have barred the EPA from implementing the Clean Power Plan.
With Earth Day celebrated this weekend environmentalist are continuing their quest for what they call a "healthy, sustainable environment" and to work toward protecting the earth for future generations.
Perryman said the effort to protect the earth and the economy isn't just a focus here. "A healthy environment and a good environment can also be a positive economic develop tool in and of itself, and we see that in a number of communities around the country including some in Texas."
Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970. The goal is to plant 7.8 billion trees and to push for and support legislation requiring countries to divest from fossil fuels and make cities 100-percent renewable.
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