Letter: Don’t demonize all regulations

When Dylan sang 'The Times They are A Changin'” in 1964 he didn't mean climate change. But in 1964 we 'sunbathed” with oil smeared on our skin to intensify the effects of the rays. Today children can't go outdoors without sunscreen. In 1964 I didn't like regulations. Now I'm not so sure.

Reality is a changin' and attitudes are too. A new Yale Climate Opinion Map shows that in Linn County, 70 percent of us believe that global warming is happening. And 75 percent of Linn County residents think we should regulate carbon dioxide as a pollutant.

These days I don't resent a gas tax regulation that helps maintain the roads that I use. And I appreciate how the Environmental Protection Agency greenhouse gas rules could save consumers more than a trillion dollars at those same gas pumps by 2025. I favor regulations that protect us from threats to our health. The EPA's Clean Power Plan will prevent millions of people globally from premature deaths due to air pollution. It will reduce asthma attacks and medical expenses while making our planet a safer place to live.

I no longer believe that baking my skin in the sun is a good idea. And I don't think regulations are always bad. April is Climate Awareness month. Let's consider the benefits of protective measures, rather than demonizing all regulations. Celebrate the earth and sun. Just don't forget your sunscreen.

Judy Ryan

Cedar Rapids