In Danger

It is almost comical and tragic at the same time.  There was a story in the Journal this morning about the impact of broken elevators at Carlsbad Caverns in southern NM.  The problem is costing the region a lot of money because people are passing on a visit because they can't ride down.  It is adversely affecting a big economic engine for the region.  It shows the value of public land assets other than oil and gas.  It is something that will be there long after the oil boys go the way of steam ships.  Even Congressman Steve Pearce, a man who would sell public lands to the highest bidder seems upset.

Ironically,  the Antiquities Act will now be in great danger from people like Pearce.  President Obama used it yesterday to protect large swaths of public land in Utah and Nevada.  Read about it here.  This article was written by former Washington Post staffer Tom Kenworthy who sits on the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance Board with me and other rabble rousers.

The designations of these new National Monuments will bring out the worst in the Clive Bundy crowd and their GOP western Congressional delegations.  They will try do undo these designations and then go after the Antiquities Act which has been used by almost every administration since Teddy Roosevelt to protect great American Landscapes and special places.  This roll back will be done in the name of profit for the fossil fuel boys.

This is one worth manning the barricades for!  Some bad behavior will be needed in the home towns of every Congressional member who thinks this repeal is needed.