Re: [CPEO-MEF] Digest for cpeo-military@igc.topica.com, issue 475

[petestrauss1@attbi.com]

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

Susan:

After thinking about your idea (taking cleanup out of the hands of the
polluter), I first gave it some merit.  However, upon reflection I think 
its the opposite direction we should take. I would like to see the 
military and the DOE take responsibility for the consequences of there 
actions.  I don't think that this will occur unless the program involved 
has to pay for the cleanup. As you know, at DOE sites Defense Program 
(DP) makes the mess and the environmental program cleans it up. Even if 
there were to be a tax on defense programs, its not very effective in 
changing behavior. It has to be brought down to the level were DP 
management designs and operates systems where they are required to clean 
up after themselves. That would mean incorporating environmental 
personnel on staff, and incorporating environmental concerns into the 
mission of the agencies and their programs. I believe that taking 
responsibility for your mess is the only really effective way of 
changing behavior.

Peter