Elections Have Consequences

In a recent interview, Barbara Boxer outlined her priorities as the incoming Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

In her interview, Senator Boxer criticizes the anti-environmental tactics pursued by the Bush Administration, and allowed by the outgoing Republican-controlled Congress. "Any kind of weakening of environmental laws or secrecy or changes in the dead of night — it's over. We are going to bring these things into the light." Perhaps Senator Boxer simply understands one of the basic tenets of a successful republican government, that "sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants."

Or perhaps our long, national environmental nightmare is over, and we have a chance to make a new start. We all benefit from fresh air, clean water, and the other basic life-supporting functions of a healthy environment. All of us should critically evaluate the actions of our businesses, our government, and us in our everyday lives through the lens of environmental awareness. As Senator Boxer put it, "I very much want the environment to go back to being a nonpartisan issue." I could not agree more.