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Clean water means clean beer
Gov. Bill Haslam took an important half-step forward in setting water policy by appointing a steering committee to develop a plan to ensure adequate water supplies for the state.
By October, the steering committee will develop the TN H2O plan, which will support future population and economic growth.
Tennessee’s water resources are an important part of the state’s economy. The state’s lakes and rivers are a vital part of tourism in many sections of Tennessee. Boat manufacturers dot the state’s shorelines, providing good jobs for our citizens.
In addition, the state’s burgeoning craft beer industry depends on a good supply of clean water for its brews.
But Haslam needs to complete the water policy cycle by appointing a committee to look at water quality issues. In announcing TN H2O, Haslam mentioned clean water only once. In contrast, the news release announcing the initiative used the words “water availability” three times.
It is more important to examine water quality issues than it is to research water availability.
The Tennessee Clean Water Network, the only statewide organization dedicated to improving water quality, encourages Haslam to take the next step in developing a state water policy that protects Tennessee’s water resources in light of competing agendas for water use.
TCWN has always understood the connection between water quality and the state’s manufacturing, agriculture, energy and tourism efforts. I hope Haslam will quickly address water quality issues as the state’s water resources serve as the source of drinking water for millions of people.
Water availability should not be considered only in regards to industrial use. Thousands of anglers, boaters and families using lakeside parks are also water users who place a high priority on clean water versus water availability.
TCWN will monitor the TN H2O plan progress to ensure that water quality issues are at the top of the agenda along with water availability uses.
Dana Wright, interim executive director, Tennessee Clean Water Network
Trump wants parade just to show off
Nov. 11 began as Remembrance Day for the soldiers killed in World War I.
It is still observed in England with wreaths at memorials. There is no sense of jubilation.
In the U.S. it has come to be called Veterans Day, to remember American veterans of all wars.
Bastille Day is celebrated in France to celebrate throwing off the chains of tyranny. It
is truly a celebration, and it is in July, not November.
It isn’t clear that President Donald Trump has asked veterans if they would like to have a parade so that he can show off. The whole world already knows the United States has the largest, strongest military.
It is sad to have a president who is not confident that America is great.
Virginia M. Jones, Oak Ridge