Hunting and Fishing Groups Support Climate Legislation

American hunting and fishing groups are lobbying for legislation to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The groups, usually regarded as largely conservative Republican, are demanding government regulation. Hunters spend a significant amount of time outdoors and argue that they see the effects of climate change right now. Forty-two million Americans hunt or fish and their activities account for around $172 billion per year.

Why does this new group supporting climate legislation matter?

The stereotype for hunters and fishermen lumps them into the conservative Republican Party. That same stereotype defines them as wary of the science behind climate change and government regulation. However, these groups are becoming an extremely powerful lobbying force simply because of their passion for the great outdoors and conservation. They can actually attest to the changing world that affects their sport.

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Environmental Criminal Behind Bars

A Utah man was sentenced to the maximum term of 20 years imprisonment for violating among other things, the clean water act. Larkin Baggett instructed his employees to dump toxic chemicals onto the ground and down drains. One of the chemicals he illegally dumped is toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

Why is dumping toxic chemicals criminal behavior?

Dumping chemicals on the ground can cause them to seep into groundwater supplies, contaminating drinking water. Dumping them down drains contaminates rivers, water supplies, and oceans. Toxic chemicals pose health risks not only to humans, but also to the entire ecosystem.

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