Environment needs leaders

A speech by Orange County Supervisor Tom Wilson last week contained much that seemed “pie in the sky” and a bit too optimistic to take entirely seriously.

Wilson urged environmentalists, business leaders and other members of private industry to work together to reach collective environmental goals without the typical fights and lengthy delays that are an inextricable part of environmental activity.

“There must be a fundamental change in perspective for all stakeholders,” Wilson said Oct. 27 at the Headwaters to Ocean Conference in Huntington Beach. “Representatives from all groups should realize that they share the same goals. We can no longer advocate blindly -- that just hurts the process.”

Wilson pointed to work improving water quality along Huntington and Newport beaches and restoring part of the Bolsa Chica wetlands as examples of what’s possible if the groups come together.

It is clear, though, from reaction to the speech as well as continuing battles over projects such as Newport’s local coastal plan that a great divide still exists between environmentalists and business people.

But Wilson is correct that the divide needs to be crossed. His words are a start, but what he proposed is not going to be as simple as a single speech. There is too much history of distrust, too many times when these factions have faced off in court, to expect a sudden united front on issues as contentious, and important, as protecting the environment -- all the while maintaining a vibrant business climate.

Who, then, will begin doing the tough work?

Wilson’s suggestion was leaders of the community, and again Wilson is correct.

He should be the first leader to fill that role, going beyond words into serious action. His lead could establish the model for other leaders -- including those in our two city halls -- to do the same.