2 weeks Ago
Gov. Jim Pillen has proposed legislation to merge the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment and Energy to "unify efforts to enhance water quantity and water quality." This proposal makes as much sense as merging the university system with state colleges and K-12 systems to unify efforts to enhance education.
The programs and missions under these state entities are distinct and complex and require separate oversight and expertise. The governor is proposing this merger without any study of the impacts or identification of any cost savings. Unfortunately, in the past, merging large agencies resulted in the loss of transparency and accountability.
Just because it can be done, doesn't mean it should be done. Maybe the true goals are the loss of transparency and accountability. Or maybe it is just as it appears — stupid is as stupid does.
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