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About The Dalles chronicle. (The Dalles, OR) 1998-2020 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 15, 2020)
A4 Weekend of February 15-16, 2020 The Dalles Chronicle TheDallesChronicle.com OPINION Environmental regulations have their place T HE CURRENT ADMINISTRA- tion recently announced changes to a 50-year-old en- vironmental law the president calls “broken and outdated.” The National Environmental Policy Act “ties up and bogs down” infrastructure projects by an “out- rageously slow and burdensome federal approval process,” President Trump said. It has long been a GOP priority to curb “overreach” and “reduce un- necessary regulatory roadblocks.” Sometimes they are correct; all law is based on compromise, and there needs to be a balance. The Obama- era EPA expansions to the definition of wetlands and waterways is a good example—yes, farmers and ranchers need to play their part in reducing pollution runoff from their lands. But no, a blanket increase in the power of the EPA is not the way to accomplish that. Such change needs to come from a coalition of impacted parties—farmers, ranchers, water users, native tribes, environmentalists, fishermen— not solely the EPA. (It’s worth noting that a great deal of conservation and improvements in Wasco and Sherman counties have been undertaken by farmers without any sort of governmental oversight. They like clean water, too.) But a blanket decrease in the power of the EPA is no solution, either. As we consider the changes currently proposed by the GOP, it might be helpful to look back at why, 50 years ago, the law was cre- ated. And why, in 1970, then-Pres- ident Richard Nixon proposed cre- ating the Environmental Protection Agency in the first place. We don’t have to look far to come From the Editor Mark Gibson up with some good examples. Standing on the roof of The Dalles Chronicle office, I can see at least three superfund sites—major areas of contamination that required federal cleanup. Except for the mountain of gravel sealing the former disposal pond west of town at the former aluminum plant site, they are now invisible: the site off- shore from riverfront park is sealed and under water, and the associated creosote contamination in the area of the tie plant is underground, accessed by test wells to monitor ground water contamination. There is a third site in Dallesport, east of The Dalles Dam. The fact that I can stand on the roof and see the site locations is a testimony to the impact the EPA and associated laws have had: You couldn’t have seen so much, back in 1969 because of the smoke emis- sions from the aluminum plant, judging by images published at the time in The Dalles Chronicle. Such sites represent the tip of the icebergr. How hazardous chemi- cals were transported and stored is surprising—prior to the EPA and its “burdensome” regulations, we had some serious problems. Again, I don’t have to go far to find an example. MYSTERIOUS DIE-OFF On May 15, 1969, the front page of the Chronicle featured a pho- tograph of dead and blackened plants killed by a herbicide and announced the chemical appli- cations supervisor from the State Department of Agriculture had arrived in town was investigating. “The damage, a source on in- creasing complaint in recent days, presumably has been caused by chemical drift from farm spraying operations,” the paper reported. “The present trouble is believed to have originated in one or more ground-level spray applications rath- er than from applications by plane.” The damage was widespread— according to the Wasco County Extension agent, all of The Dalles and an area from Seven Mile Hill to lower Fifteen Mile Creek showed evidence of damage from a her- bicide of the 2, 4-D or “hormone type,” the paper reported. The state investigator noted that “the exact way the chemical works has not been determined but that the nat- ural processes within the plant are upset.” The pesticide is volatile and can form a vapor. Elm, locust, weeping willow and other trees were damaged, as were lilacs and other annuals. On May 16, 1969, it was reported that the source of the “chemical weed killer that has drifted into The Dalles probably did not come from farm operations.” The inspector had returned to Salem following a preliminary in- vestigation and “sources close to the problem said the possibility that the chemical is vaporizing from a long stretch of the railroad right-of-way is being considered.” A staffer in the Portland office said there would be “no immediate comment from the railroad.” “Fears are rising that unless some way is found to block further emis- sion...the problem may continue for a prolonged time.” Grapes, toma- toes, various other garden plants, and many trees are “hard-hit by the chemical.” On May 24, the newspaper to seeing movement on HR 5221, the “100% Clean Economy Act.” Haven’t seen much yet. The bill was introduced in Congress last November, and is now [stuck?] in front of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill has 167 co-sponsors, but Rep. Greg Walden R-Hood River) is not one of them. Walden is the ranking Republican on the committee, and we need him to exert his leadership position to support the bill. We’re in a climate crisis, and are dealing with the effects on a daily basis already. We desperately need to begin transforming our economy to reduce CO2 emissions, and we need decisive action in Congress. It isn’t just the science that is compelling on the subject of responding to the climate crisis. Clean energy has been one of the fastest growing sectors in the American economy, and by going all in on this energy transition we will create new jobs, new industries and a cleaner, healthier environ- ment for all Americans. By supporting the 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019, Rep. Walden could accelerate our transition to a safe, clean economy and help grow clean energy jobs in Oregon. Cindy Allen, Hood River reported Union Pacific railroad would be applying a slurry-like mixture containing limestone and activated charcoal to a “ribbon of chemical soaked ground” along the tracks from Mosier to a point east of The Dalles, a distance of 30 miles. An entire tank car of concentrat- ed 2,4-D herbicide was believed to have been leaked along the tracks in December of 1968. “The Chronicle was informed that if the chemical were converted to solutions of strength for normal ap- plication...the amount of weed killer found in the soil would be rated on a tons-per-acre basis. In farm spray- ing, the amount used is measured in pound per acre.” The herbicide type was described as 2,4-D, in isu-butyl ester tech form, a heavy, oily liquid resembling transmission oil. The state inspector also noted that “had the department been informed of the spillage last December it probably could have offered suggestions on how to cope with the problem before warm weather caused the chemical to volatile and drift.” The railroad never did confirm the spill, but covered it “voluntarily.” It’s no surprise voters demanded, in the 1970s, cleaner air and water, with regulations in place to safe- guard their lives and families—not to mention their lilacs and tomatoes— and an independent agency to keep the powers-that-be in compliance. Going back to the “good old days” of environmentally unregulated in- dustry might generate profit in the short term, but there will be short- and long-term consequences—we haven’t even finished cleaning up the mistakes of the past, and adding to that historic burden would be a tragedy. YOUR VOICE Slow down! 4005, a secure gun storage bill— one that would require firearms to be stored safely. Safe storage To the editor, measures are proven to reduce Hello. I am nine years old. Last accidental injuries and deaths by week my cat got run over by a car firearms and the number of firearm going too fast on Scenic Drive and suicides. Responsible gun own- I just want to let people know they should drive slower. ers understand that safe storage My family is still very sad. We all doesn’t impinge on their rights to loved Katinka very much. gun ownership, and that saving Daughter of Solea Kadov, children’s lives might be worth the The Dalles slight inconvenience of locking a trigger or a gun case. Our legislators need to lead the way in supporting the safe storage bill. Rep. Anna Williams is very clear in her support. Rep. Chuck We see news daily about injuries Thomsen has a consistent history of opposing gun safety measures but and deaths from firearms—far, I’m hoping he too will support this far in excess of what other nations bill, on behalf of our kids. experience. The carnage has got to stop. There have been good efforts Rhonda Starling both in Oregon and in the country Mosier to reduce the carnage, but most have been thwarted by the National Rifle Association and its supporters. So we still have children shooting each other while “playing,” and other preventable horrors. This legislative session, Oregon As our dread over climate change lawmakers are considering HB worsens, I’ve been looking forward Support safe gun storage Support clean energy Chelsea Marr/Publisher • 541-296-2141 Ext. 119 cmarr@thedalleschronicle.com CeCe Fix/Business Manager • 541-296-2141 Ext. 110 cfix@thedalleschronicle.com Tanya Lindsey/Circulation Manager • 541-296-2141 Ext. 108 tlindsey@thedalleschronicle.com Mark Gibson/News Editor • 541-296-2141 Ext. 107 mgibson@thedalleschronicle.com • Established 1890 • Ray Rodriguez/Sports Editor • 541-296-2141 Ext. 105 541-296-2141 rrodriguez@thedalleschronicle.com 811 East Second, The Dalles, OR 97058 A member of Eagle Newspapers, Inc. Joe Petshow, President Neita Cecil/Reporter • 541-296-2141 Ext. 115 © 2018 The Dalles Chronicle All rights reserved ncecil@thedalleschronicle.com The Dalles Chronicle is published Wednesday and Satur- day except: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Entered as Periodicals postage paid at the Office of The Dalles, OR and additional mailing offices. Oppose cap and trade bill To the editor, The super majority in Salem is trying to push through another “cap and trade” bill that is truly a hidden tax that will affect every hard work- ing Oregonian. Not only are there ethical ques- tions about this proposed legisla- tion, but also the methods (being attempted) to pass this bill—the short session wasn’t intended to See YOUR VOICE, page A6 EDITORIAL GUIDELINES The Dalles Chronicle welcomes letters. They must be accurate, free from personal attacks, and include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Those without identification of the writer will not be pub- lished. Letters containing advertising will not be printed. Digital submis- sions are welcome and can be submitted online or emailed. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Dalles Chronicle, P.O. 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