Borough resolution more of a cop out than a compromise

Freontiersman editorial board

Compromise is one of the cornerstones of our republic. We often move forward by ensuring everybody gets at least a little of what they want. Some say compromise is achieved when all concerned parties are equally unhappy. Whether that is true or not, it is certain that progress in a democratic system is impossible without a fair amount of give and take.

The Mat-Su Borough Assembly, Tuesday night, reached something of a compromise on a resolution concerning the future of coal-bed methane development in our community. The unanimous passage of the redrafted resolution might suggest a good compromise was reached. It might also suggest that the assembly stepped up to the plate and opted not to take a swing. After all, no problems have yet arisen as a result of CBM work already completed by Evergreen Resources Inc. To act with determination at this point might seem rash -- it might seem that the assembly was influenced by the unrealistic voices of Outside environmentalists and a few Chicken Littles and fear mongers. Better to steer the safe course. Better to wait and see what the consequences of CBM development actually will be rather than insist now on what we want the outcome to be.

The proposed resolution would have effectively insisted upon a moratorium on further drilling until regulations had been drafted and until baseline studies had been completed. What the assembly voted to support instead was a resolution that basically said, "We know people are concerned about water and personal property rights, but we don't know what the impact of CBM development will be. Therefore, we ask the governor to make nice with the Mat-Su Borough and the Kenai Peninsula Borough to make some rules." In the meantime, the resolution set forth no meaningful expectations, nor did it explain what outcomes are simply not acceptable in our community. The resolution did call for the gathering of baseline groundwater data, but that was the only thing resembling a tooth left in the resolution.

Essentially the assembly traded in a Porterhouse steak with trimmings for a rice cake and called it a square meal. We all want a better economy in the Valley. We all understand that development is part of that equation. With that said, we should all agree that this is still our home, and it is not unreasonable or paranoid to demand upon certain standards to ensure responsible development. It is right and responsible to protect the future of our community while solving the present challenges. Responsibility is not anti-growth, it's simply pro-future.