Construction Economy: What Price Environmental Controls?

In the expanding economy of the 1960's and 1970's the solution to our environmental problem was associated with improved technology and increased expenditures. The inflation, unemployment, etc., of 1975 have given the business community and consumer reason for concern. Construction unemployment has reached the highest level ever recorded. There is an active debate among politicians and economists as to whether the current recession has bottomed-out. No Growth philosophies should not be a substitute for good planning. The civil engineer should support programs that address the realities of an entire region. Local ASCE chapters should interface with environmentalists. It is imperative that we solve the problem of unnecessary delays in the EIS regulatory procedure. We should oppose plans that are socially repressive and limited growth plans that are not in the interest of the general public. We should support those environmental goals that are cost-effective in relation to the environmental and social benefits attained.