Johnson's stance on environment commendable

May 29, 2005

In recent editions there have been letters chastising Rep. (Tim) Johnson for his stand against drilling and exploitation in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

These letters refer to the "measly" 2,000 acres out of millions that will be impacted by the exploitation of ANWR. The 2,000 acres are in the heart of the refuge, and anyone who truly believes only these few acres will be all that is developed need to look around and see what the current administration is doing to our environment.

Rep. Johnson took a firm stand against exploitation of ANWR and should receive our thanks and appreciation for attempting to protect our children and grandchildren's heritage. Under the exploit-at-all- cost administration, we risk leaving for future generations an environmental debt, which will be a terrible burden.

John Tobias
Bloomington