Amador County - Overwhelming opposition to a gold dredging ban during a meeting of the Amador County Board of Supervisors last Tuesday raised many opinions on the effectiveness of environmental regulations, both local and national. A packed chamber of upset dredging enthusiasts made clear their opposition to Senate Bill 670, which calls for a statewide moratorium on suction dredge mining until an environmental review determines what harm the practice may have on salmon populations. District 5 Supervisor and Board Chairman Brian Oneto criticized the government and compared U.S. environmental regulations to communist oppression in Eastern Europe. He said “gold is real wealth, it’s not printed which is what the government loves doing, which is why we’re in the shape we’re in.” District 1 Supervisor John Plasse compared the ban to recent forest service road closures, calling it an example of a statewide ban without doing research on whether it is necessary in particular areas. Plasse said that he thought Calaveras Supervisor Steve Wilensky, who Plasse views as a supporter of restrictions that lead to environmental preservation, “would be a good proponent for something like this.” In response, Wilensky told TSPN that this is a moment for “science, facts and negotiation.” “The goal of leadership should be to reconcile these differences in a way that is responsive to economic, environmental and social concerns, in that balance. Anyone who tries to do one thing at the expense of others is missing the point,” said Wilensky. Plasse extended a personal invitation to the Foothill Conservancy, a local organization dedicated to the preservation of the Mokelumne River, to support the county in its opposition to the dredging ban. “If they are genuinely concerned about the economic impact of governmental restrictions (for the Mokelumne River), they would be here as well. In this case, their silence is deafening,” said Plasse. The Supervisors unanimously approved to draft a letter voicing their opposition to the dredging ban to be sent to state officials. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
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Amador County - Overwhelming opposition to a gold dredging ban during a meeting of the Amador County Board of Supervisors last Tuesday raised many opinions on the effectiveness of environmental regulations, both local and national. A packed chamber of upset dredging enthusiasts made clear their opposition to Senate Bill 670, which calls for a statewide moratorium on suction dredge mining until an environmental review determines what harm the practice may have on salmon populations. District 5 Supervisor and Board Chairman Brian Oneto criticized the government and compared U.S. environmental regulations to communist oppression in Eastern Europe. He said “gold is real wealth, it’s not printed which is what the government loves doing, which is why we’re in the shape we’re in.” District 1 Supervisor John Plasse compared the ban to recent forest service road closures, calling it an example of a statewide ban without doing research on whether it is necessary in particular areas. Plasse said that he thought Calaveras Supervisor Steve Wilensky, who Plasse views as a supporter of restrictions that lead to environmental preservation, “would be a good proponent for something like this.” In response, Wilensky told TSPN that this is a moment for “science, facts and negotiation.” “The goal of leadership should be to reconcile these differences in a way that is responsive to economic, environmental and social concerns, in that balance. Anyone who tries to do one thing at the expense of others is missing the point,” said Wilensky. Plasse extended a personal invitation to the Foothill Conservancy, a local organization dedicated to the preservation of the Mokelumne River, to support the county in its opposition to the dredging ban. “If they are genuinely concerned about the economic impact of governmental restrictions (for the Mokelumne River), they would be here as well. In this case, their silence is deafening,” said Plasse. The Supervisors unanimously approved to draft a letter voicing their opposition to the dredging ban to be sent to state officials. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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