It would have been easier to prevent the offshore oil accident on the B.P. site off the coast of Louisiana than it will be to clean it up. What measures did regulatory agencies take to prevent this environmental disaster? Apparently it was more important to get the oil and make the money. Concern came when the black muck was on its way to beaches in 5 states.
Freshwater Tissue doesn't even pretend it can meet environmental standards. People want the jobs. There is an illusion that money will trickle down to the community. The Samoa Pulp Mill (now Freshwater Tissue Co.) has a history of breakdowns and environmental violations, yet it is on the road to start up. Concern and enforcement will come after the damage is done. People won't die in the mines or on a platform off the coast, but there will be damage to the Pacific Ocean, to the air and to the health of people, animals and plants. And then there is CANCER.
Our environmental agencies have become weak while corporations have become stronger and stronger. We are all suffering the consequences.