My Page: Matt Singer
Over-the-Top
Wal-Mart Compares Arizonans to NazisThe Arizona Daily Sun reports that some Flagstaff residents, including Veterans, are upset that Wal-Mart is comparing a citizens' initative to regulate big box stores with Hitler's book burning fests. Tom Farley, the man behind the ads says, they will "make people think." Hitler's book burning also made people think. Making people think doesn't excuse stupid, stupid actions.
Western Landscapes
Passing the Buck on America’s ForestsPat Williams, Montana's former Congressman, jumps into the Roadless debate today and sees a coming victory for America's wildlands. He doesn't step back from chiding the President first, "The President of the United States has boldly decided that Harry Truman was wrong: the buck doesn't stop with the president but rather with our state governors." Williams thinks that Western Governors, with two exceptions (Kempthorne in Idaho and Murkowski in Alaska), will protect most of their roadless areas because we Westerners like our wilderness.
Update: Rep. Williams just may find some support for his theory in the online poll at the Billings Gazette. When I checked the site, 46% opposed any development, while only 9% supported unfettered development. The remained supported limited development. Of course, it is an online poll.
Toxic Utah
Better, But Not PerfectUtah, despite some hard work by US Magnesium, is still ranked third nationally for toxic pollutants. Some folks apparently think that the relative level of toxins in Utah compared to other states isn't a big deal, as long as the risk is a relatively safe one. Environmentalists are, well, concerned.
Skeptical Environmentalist
Ah, the Income EffectClark Williams-Derry discovers the income effect while looking at CAFE standards. As it is cheaper to drive, people do it more. That effect is a predicted one and I think anticipated in a pretty widespread way. But Williams-Derry emphasizes the secondary effects of that primary effect: increased sprawl. As people are able to drive more, they plan to drive more and living further from the center of a city seems less daunting.
Now, as I've made clear, I do not understand that mindset. I currently live right on the river in the heart of Missoula. My dream Missoula home would be a few blocks away, in the Millenium Building. My own experience is that density is a wonderful thing. My cohorts on this planet all seem to want to run away from each other, though.
Regardless, for anyone interested in secondary impacts of increasing fuel efficiency standards, but who wants to read it from an enviro, check out Williams-Derry's piece.
Vegging Out
No Meat for Mother Earth? No WayApparently some of the folks at Gristmill think enviros should give up meat. Let me just say that I'd give up environmentalism first. But, really, there's no reason we can't have both. Richard Manning, a Missoula writer, makes the case for eating locally (including wild game) in "The Oil We Eat," an article that appeared in Harper's Magazine a little over a year ago. [more]
Non-Concerns
Things We Don’t Need to Worry AboutI often hear that both environmentalists and the media are too shrill. Since I'm apparently part of the environmental media, I imagine that I'm probably super-shrill. So, to remedy that situation, I wanted to present a few things that it seems we don't need to be concerned about right now. [more]
Nat'l Polling Data
Western Governors Largely PopularSurveyUSA, a firm that uses touchtone polling, has released polls regarding voter approval of all 50 Governors, with a number of Western Governors showing quite strong numbers.
Dave Freudenthal, D-Wyoming, clocked in at the top of the region (and third most popular in the nation) with a 67% approval rating (20% disapprove). John Huntsman, R-Utah, came in close behind (5th in the nation) with a 64-21% approval/disapproval rating.
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Coalbed Methane Fights in Montana and Wyoming
Surface TensionCourtney already highlighted this article in her grok this morning, but I'm going to talk a bit more about it anyways. Todd Wilkinson, writing for the Christian Science Monitor, looks at surface owners trying to deal with drilling on their land. It is a story that has been looked at here many times, but there are a few points I wanted to raise. [more]
Multiple Use
Collaboration on Course for Snowmobiles, Quiet Users in MontanaThe Montana Wilderness Association and the Montana Snowmobile Association have collaborated on another forest travel plan, this time in the Blackfoot Valley. The deal isn't final. Collaborative agreements don't mean anything unless adopted by the Forest Service, but it's a good sign that groups like this have such strong working relationships.
Campus Development
Regents in Missoula Tomorrow; South Campus Comment SoughtThe Board of Regents are meeting in Missoula tomorrow and will be discussing the proposed South Campus Development as well as the UM Athletics Department. The meeting will be on the third floor of the UC and begins at 1:30. I can only assume it will be in the ballroom, where such meetings are typically held.
The Regents have posted their agenda online along with some documents worth reading for people still looking for background on the subject. Those documents include an executive summary and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
