An Earth Day message from Mayor Golding
by Mayor Susan Golding
his year being the 25th anniversary of Earth Day, it
seems appropriate to reflect on the state of the environment of the last
quarter century as we look to the next quarter of a century. Past and existing
environmental rules and regulations are now topics of conversation across
the nation. Some believe that the current state is deplorable and overly
regulated, while others believe we have a long way to go to ensure the viability
of this planet into the future. Obviously, these positions make for lively
discussion.
I believe we are in a position of opportunity with
these heightened discussions. Here in the City of San Diego we have embarked
upon a process of protecting the environment while also allowing the economic
prosperity of our citizens to not be hindered. This process is called the
Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP). The MSCP balances the needs
to preserve critical habitat into perpetuity while understanding the needs
of private property owners. We have been working with Federal and State
resource agencies, Secretary Babbitt, environmental organizations, building
industry representatives and other affected jurisdictions and public agencies.
This partnership is an example of how I see the earth surviving into the
next millennium. We must work together.
The future of our City lies in the realization that
environmental protection is not a hindrance to economic growth, but a prerequisite
to a healthy sustainable economy and the preservation of our quality of
life. San Diego can be the first Great City of the 21st Century. To be that,
we must solve the problems that confront us today, but also we must light
the way to the next century by working together.
