Reckless
The Political Assault on the American Environment
By (author) Bob Deans Foreword by Robert Redford
Publication date:
05 April 2012Length of book:
128 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9781442217973
Republicans regained control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010 at a time of unprecedented global challenge and change. Instead of devoting the next year to embracing opportunity amid turmoil, though, the lawmakers waged the worst legislative assault in history against the commonsense safeguards we all depend on to protect our environment and health. In a single calendar year, the Republican-led House voted nearly 200 times to weaken, block, or delay needed measures that defend our air, water, wildlife, and lands. This book tells the story of that misguided campaign, how it put our nation at risk, and where we need to go from here, for the sake of Americans everywhere, for the sake of our children's future.
Deans (associate director, communications, Natural Resource Defense Council; The River Where America Began: A Journey Along the James) crafts a blistering critique of the testimony, actions, and environmental voting records of the majority House party in a single year of the 112th U.S. Congress. He demonstrates that 40 years of thoughtful environmental regulations based upon sound scientific research and evidence do not negatively impact employment or economic conditions but instead stimulate the economy and make the United States more competitive. Deans also establishes clear links between contributions from industry lobbying groups and the voting records of legislators receiving these funds. He effectively demonstrates that in a single calendar year the Republican majority voted over 190 times to weaken, delay, or block reasonable environmental protections that have been supported by every President since Richard Nixon, including Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Verdict With a wealth of statistics and testimony from the U.S. House floor, this brief but compelling narrative will interest anyone working or studying in the areas of public affairs and policy, environmental policy, or environmental studies in this election year.