With BP oil refinery sitting right in Bellingham's backyard, environmental responsibility is a major concern for this region of Washington State. The natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest is not only a continuous source of inspiration and splendor; it's also one of our main sources of income due to its distinctive terrain that draws so many adventurers to its path. Protecting this aspect of Bellingham is a priority that needs to be taken more seriously by all.

I propose that punishment for companies increase to perhaps include jail time and/or mandatory reforms on how their business is managed. Businesses are the main source of pollution and damage to most of our vital natural systems, not in a million years could citizens working of their own accord recreate the detrimental effects that the oil company BP has inflicted upon the environment for many decades; the only consequence has been fines that, considering the amount of profit they take in annually, must seem to them merely a joke. This goes not only for huge companies like BP, but fishing companies that over fish, logging companies that clear cut whole forests, and paper mills that dump waste products into the bay, all continue to make profits even if they are reprimanded for their actions while the effects of their irresponsibility towards maintaining our shared spaces continue to spiral downward.

Maia Gurol

Bellingham