Carter led the way as steward of environment
Recent writers have written about Carter’s legacy, especially in terms of climate and energy. I agree that “We should all strive to be like Carter” and focus on stewardship.
Dismayingly, after each Democrat president since 1980, voters elected a Republican leader who dismisses climate-change policy.
Why have Republican conservative leaders disassociated with environmental preservation since Nixon created the EPA? I understand regulations raise company costs, but market-based economies without guardrails lead to environmental harm. Therefore, leadership must enforce pollution guidelines, gradually remove subsidies for fossil fuels and prepare for a price on dirty energy.
Europe will start charging carbon at their border in 2026. So could we. With subsidies removed, the high cost of dangerous oil drilling, dealmaking and insurance payouts from oil and gas explosions will cause moneymakers to start planning what to do with their profits from renewable energy with storage and switch the tracks to a cleaner world. Then I’ll sense Jimmy smiling in spirit.
Thanks, President Carter, for your incredible intelligence, inspiration and exemplary action.
BOB JAMES, ATLANTA
‘Forever chemicals’ cause concern with Cobb’s drinking water
Cobb County has been under scrutiny due to concerns over PFAS (“forever chemicals”), which are persistent in the environment and pose potential health risks. In April 2024, the EPA introduced new drinking water regulations for six PFAS compounds, requiring monitoring by 2027 and setting limits by 2029.
The Cobb County Water System, in collaboration with the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA), is actively monitoring PFAS levels to ensure compliance with these standards. Recent data shows PFAS presence in several public water systems across Georgia, including Cobb County.
EPA’s new regulations aim to reduce PFAS exposure, which is linked to health issues like cancer, high blood pressure, and low birth weight. Meanwhile, CCMWA is committed to staying ahead in water quality monitoring and incorporating climate change impacts into its strategies to protect public health. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take precautions regarding PFAS levels in their drinking water.
The county’s water authorities remain dedicated to providing safe drinking water and safeguarding public health.
ERICA BIBBEY, MARIETTA
Downey education columns will be missed
Thank you, Maureen Downey, for sharing and keeping me and others aware of the important educational parts of our lives. Sorry to see you go, and I wish you the best in your future.
I am presently looking at your 2011 conversation on bullying in the AJC, which is just one of the many writings by you that are a part of my huge Downey file that I keep to refer to if needed in my Brother 2 Brother TEAM MENtoring Method since its 2007 start in Atlanta Public Schools.
Be Blessed, and thank you again for your valued sharing!
TOM DORSEY, ATLANTA
