While election day provided some bright spots for those of us that care about the environment and public lands, the loss of some high profile ballot initiatives provided a stark reminder of the political and financial strength of the extractive resource industry.
In Alaska Stand for Salmon, a ballot measure designed to boost protections for salmon and other fish failed by a wide margin amid an onslaught of heavy opposition spending by powerful oil and mining interests.
LINK (via: KTOO Public Radio)
In Montana I-186 which would have bolstered environmental regulation of hard rock mining was soundly rejected, 58 percent to 42 percent.
LINK (via: The Montana Standard)
And in Colorado proposition 112 — which sought to keep 2,500 feet between new oil and gas operations and any home in Colorado was voted down 57 percent to 43 percent.
LINK (via: Colorado Public Radio)
While we can all celebrate that Rob Bishop will no longer be the Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, perhaps the millions spent in support of these failed referendums would be better spent on getting pro-environment and public lands candidates elected?
