A Race To The Bottom

Can a canal flow in two directions at the same time? Yes, according to environmental studies by the Corps of Engineers which often uses questionable analysis to justify expensive projects backed by powerful political interests.

1 minute read

September 15, 2000, 1:00 PM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

A study by the Corps of Engineers states that the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal flows east to west. Another study also by the Corps says that the canal flows west to east. Wait a minute! Can a canal flow in two directions at the same time? Yes, according to environmental studies by the Corps of Engineers which often uses questionable technical analysis to justify expensive projects backed by powerful political interests. "There is a basic conflict of interest at the heart of all Corps studies: The same agency thatevaluates proposed water projects gets to work on the ones it deems worthwhile. If theanalysis concludes that the economic costs of a project outweigh its benefits, or that theecological damage of a project is too extreme, the Corps loses a potential job."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

FULL STORY: A Race to the Bottom

Tuesday, September 12, 2000 in The Washington Post

Government / Politics United States

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