Don’t be misled by marsh buffer bill
What a stunning photograph of Georgia’s enchanting marshlands in the article about the marsh buffer bill currently under consideration by Georgia’s legislators (“Groups disagree about how to guard marshes,” News, March 24). Unfortunately, if this bill passes without significant amendments to eliminate loopholes benefiting coastal developers, the next marsh images that hit the press will likely have manicured lawns, golf links and industrial facilities sheltered behind armored sea walls.
The marsh buffer bill misrepresents and deceives, leading one to believe the bill will protect one of Georgia’s greatest assets. It will not. Our elected officials have, by design, penned a bill that protects nothing but corporate profits, while endangering the beauty and health of our marshes and its sea life.
BRENDA CONSTAN, ATLANTA
Question motive for schools resolution
I watched Bill Nigut’s daily legislative recap last night and the wise comments by state Rep. Carolyn Hugley plus an AJC article about the lobbyist-sponsored trip by Gov. Nathan Deal to Louisiana (“Lobbyist paid for Deal trip,” News, March 25) make it clear the education “resolution” before the Georgia Legislature is a bad idea. It is an amendment to the constitution, almost permanent, leaving education in the hands of whatever governor (or lobbyist) comes along.
Lobbyists promoted the idea because charter schools are big money-makers, not because they are universally successful in improving educational outcomes. As Hugley pointed out, the one-size-fits-all approach to be applied statewide does not address the particular needs of rural areas. The model was designed for New Orleans. Let’s not commit to posterity a questionable “experiment.”
PRISCILLA H. PADRON, DRUID HILLS
Arctic drilling hastens destruction
Not only is Richard Steiner absolutely right about the dangers of Arctic drilling (“Rush to exploit the Arctic a disaster for environment,” Opinion, March 23), but a scientific study just published shows there is even a greater danger looming.
In the journal “Nature Climate Change,” meteorologist Michael Mann and others found that massive amounts of ice melting from Arctic glaciers have begun to slow the ocean’s circulating currents. Disturbing ocean circulation has a negative effect on the ocean ecosystem. Aside from the sea-level rise, additional carbon emissions and impact on Arctic peoples and polar bear habitats, fisheries worldwide will suffer, as well as the livelihood of professional fishermen. Arctic drilling only hastens our own destruction.
LINDA ARONSON, ATLANTA
