Brown the enviro? What a joke

We couldn't help but fall down laughing when we learned that U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, R-SC, has been appointed to a task force reviewing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

According to the League of Conservation Voters, NEPA is one of the nation's most significant environmental measures. "Signed into law by President Nixon in 1969, NEPA mandates public participation in important environmental decisions and requires federal agencies to undertake extensive environmental reviews of any projects that could have an impact on natural resources."

Brown's environmental credentials show he's against the environment, as highlighted by his votes and actions:

• Nicknamed "Pyro," Brown tried to use congressional pressure to get out of a Forest Service fine for burning part of the Francis Marion National Forest adjacent to his land.
• He voted to break President Eisenhower's word on keeping the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge undisturbed for eternity. Instead, he opted to drill for oil and destroy wildlife habitat.
• Brown has voted to undercut NEPA in other votes, such as a June 2004 measure.
• Brown's congressional record on the environment has never exceeded 10 percent, according to LCV. His voting record by year: 2004 -- 0 percent; 2003 -- 10 percent; 2002 -- 0 percent; 2001 -- 7 percent.
  

Seriously, it's bad news for protection of special places for Brown to serve on this committee. Why? Because he'll vote whichever way the Republican leadership tells him to. Based on his non-stellar record to date, he will vote to weaken environmental protections to help the almighty market and big business.