Should the governor take stronger action to restrict water use?
Gov. Mike Easley Monday urged municipal leaders to push harder for water conservation.
Should he do more?
"'State law gives me emergency powers to take action, even ordering rationing, if there is a threat to life and property," Easley told a gathering of the N.C. League of Municipalities. "'Now, I do not want to have to use these powers. As leaders of your communities, you know what works best at the local level. I am asking for your help. Your communities, businesses and neighbors need you to help make the tough choices today to avoid a crisis in the weeks or months to come."
Is Easley too timid? Is it time for mandatory statewide restrictions? Do local-only restrictions force some North Carolinians to make greater sacrifices than others? Or should local conditions dictate responses?
If some areas do virtually run out of water, can they rely on other water systems for help? If that's an option, shouldn't even those localities that aren't under a dire threat also begin serious mandatory conservation efforts now, in case their excess supplies are needed later?
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