RE: Ways EPA can partner with local government?

[Judith A. Farrey <farr@icehouse.net>]

I agree with Mark that working with the "most" local governments is critical, however, in it is my observation that this does not "prevent politics from disrupting the flow of information."  In our Superfund area, there are a number of "most" local governments, and they are not in agreement on the issues.  There is a perception that one of the local governments and its corresponding daily newspaper are controlled by the business which owns the paper.  The other daily has axed its newsroom staff, including the environmental reporters, so there will be little if any balance left in news reporting, the main source of information for area residents.  Another local government promoting a more environmentally-sensitive viewpoint, while having its supporters, is viewed by many as obstructionist, upsetting the status quo and bringing bad publicity to the area.  Needless to say, each local government wants EPA to support its position and the conflict rages on.  I don't envy the EPA officials who are responsible for sorting this out and for trying to make decisions based on sound science, not politics.