This proposal is shocking in…

This proposal is shocking in its reckless disregard for our natural wilderness and endangered and at risk species. A registration first approach could lead to the purposeful destruction of a protected and essential habitat in the hopes of it already being too far gone to by the time the application is denied. If the current process is needlessly long perhaps the government should allocate more resources so that the applications can be reviewed in a timely manner. However, removal of environmental protections without an adequate substitute (which this proposal is not) is not the answer. Biodiversity loss and habitat loss are often irreversible and, even if one doesn’t believe in the inherent value of nature, has profound impacts on humans and our ability to combat the negative impacts of climate change and our agriculture. I hope this does not go into effect and that environmental experts and academics can be consulted in the development of an actual common sense proposal that balances the needs of our future and the environment with development projects.