The idea has been raised to run power lines through Newfoundland's Gros Morne National Park. While this raises questions about construction, and even resource use, in protected spaces, it reminds me of an anecdote that I would like to share.
When I was traveling in New Zealand, I had the opportunity to sit in on "question period" in the House of Representatives. One of the issues raised involved the idea of constructing a sustainable energy source in a National Park. (It may have been a wind turbine, however I can no longer clearly remember this detail.) One M.P. was arguing that this construction should be allowed as the propagation of "green" energy sources is important. The Minister of Conservation responded that it was illegal to allow such a construction in a National Park.
I do not know how this issue was ultimately resolved and whether or not its discussion continued in the days that followed. It does raise an interesting point to ponder: does finding sustainable energy sources outweigh the importance of protecting natural spaces?
Please see:
"Protest begins in N.L. against idea of running hydro lines through park." The Canadian Press, 23 February 2009.
When I was traveling in New Zealand, I had the opportunity to sit in on "question period" in the House of Representatives. One of the issues raised involved the idea of constructing a sustainable energy source in a National Park. (It may have been a wind turbine, however I can no longer clearly remember this detail.) One M.P. was arguing that this construction should be allowed as the propagation of "green" energy sources is important. The Minister of Conservation responded that it was illegal to allow such a construction in a National Park.
I do not know how this issue was ultimately resolved and whether or not its discussion continued in the days that followed. It does raise an interesting point to ponder: does finding sustainable energy sources outweigh the importance of protecting natural spaces?
Please see:
"Protest begins in N.L. against idea of running hydro lines through park." The Canadian Press, 23 February 2009.
That is a great question. I'm teaching a week on parks in my North American environmental history class next week. I may raise this question in discussion. Excellent blog, by the way.
ReplyDeleteSean,
ReplyDeleteThank you. I would be interested to hear some of the conclusions that your students draw.
-David