As pros and cons and likelihoods and impacts are measured, evaluated and debated, I recognize a common theme. Value. Human-assigned value. Value of humans, to humans, by humans for humans.
No matter how much NEPA documents express American value of the natural world, all applications of the act and its required analyses are inherently anthropocentric. Kantian, even.
Makes me a bit sad to think about it. No matter your intentions, society will make regulations that prioritize benefits to society itself. Makes sense, of course... but still kind of sad that our quality control mechanisms are still so selfish. Or, perhaps more appropriately, not completely altruistic.
