Congress has thought up a great new way to shrink government. Instead of drafting laws based upon social need, we should let business decide which ones they feel are worth the cost!

The policy, now being debated in the Senate, would invite businesses to challenge environmental regulations they feel aren’t “worth” enforcing based on complex calculations which would weigh human lives against corporate profits.

If this policy is allowed to pass, government will have on the books a policy it has been following underhandedly for years: that the government will bow to greed and profits at any expense in order to perpetuate its power.

The policy could, according to the New York Times, put a halt on many hazardous waste clean-up projects across the nation. Alas, they cost money. And the money king does not like to be disturbed.

The bill is being touted as the “common sense” approach to environmental regulation. But common sense, by definition, implies a sense of responsibility and prudence. No one will be served if the Republicans and a few shamboozled Democrats sell out the next hundred years of clean environment for a quick buck.

Governments should not limit their ability to protect their citizens.