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Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser on leasing forest lands:
Although the wild-eyed “drill, baby, drill” approach is neither economically nor environmentally sound, in general, the policy of expanding the use of domestic energy resources makes sense. But that doesn't mean that every proposal for energy extraction should proceed, and that is certainly not the case with an ill-advised plan to offer natural gas leases in parts of Alabama's Talladega National Forest.
The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service are set to sell leases in several sections totaling about 43,000 acres of the forest, even though there is much that argues against doing so. It's always possible that no one will buy the leases or that the acreage will never be explored for natural gas even if leased, but that's little comfort to Alabamians concerned about the environment in these areas.
The areas targeted for leasing include stretches along the fragile and ecologically significant Cahaba River in Dallas and Perry counties; sections adjoining the Cheaha Forest near Mount Cheaha, Alabama's highest point; sites near the Dugger Mountain Wilderness; and a tract near a drinking water reservoir in Calhoun County.
There well may be natural gas deposits in these spots, but the real question is whether the gas that might be there is worth the environmental damage that could be wreaked to extract it, especially given the abundance of natural gas from other sources and the low price of natural gas in current markets.
Opinion
Gas leases not worth damage to environment
- Opinion
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Capstone should remember past, honor progress
When Gov. George C. Wallace stepped aside, Vivian Malone and James Hood walked through. They announced that more than a quarter of the state’s population and millions of people from other states would no longer be shut out.
- State gov’t should work for citizens
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Seizure of phone records an insult to independent press
The Justice Department’s explanation that it complied with national security laws, and limited its review of last year’s April and May records to the phone numbers of the callers and not the content of the calls, is thin cover for this affront to the free press clause of the First Amendment.
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Gun law salve that won't heal
The Tuscaloosa News on state senate's gun law:
- ‘Double-dipping’ shouldn’t be used to buy influence
- Open Meetings Act should be protected
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State parks' funding base has eroded
Sadly, the mindset that led to the creation of the parks system has gradually given way to a strict dollars-and-cents point of view that fails to recognize the less easily measured — but no less real — benefits of a healthy, well maintained parks system.
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Moore left UA athletics with legacy intact
UA named Bill Battle as athletics director, and we’re sure he will do a fine job. But no one will ever replace Mal Moore.
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Celebrate 'Sunshine Week' March 10-16
Make a difference in the continuing battle against unnecessary government secrecy.
For more information, visit http://sunshineweek.rcfp.org. - Respect pledge of allegiance
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Capstone should remember past, honor progress
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