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The Rio Grande Valley has some unique ecological elements, and it has benefited the region immensely. People come from across the country — indeed, from around the world — to catch a view of the many birds that call this area home or pass through on their annual migrations. This was a logical place for the National Butterfly Center, where people can enjoy the presence of monarchs and other colorful winged insects. The Valley also provides habitat for other wildlife that attracts hunters looking for deer, doves, nilgai and other creatures, anglers looking to harvest fish ranging from trout to red snapper, and other environmental tourists.
That environmental habitat, however, is fragile and must be maintained and protected, especially at a time of rapid population and industrial growth that affect region and the environment.
Thus, the city of Brownsville is to be commended for empaneling an Environmental and Conservation Task Force to advise the city with regard to possible restrictions on data centers and regulations governing other heavy users of water, energy and other resources, or that could affect sensitive habitat — including the violent, powerful SpaceX rocket launches that are expected to become more frequent.
The task force, which includes 11 experts in environment, engineering, water systems and other issues held its first meeting Oct. 21. It was intended as a session to welcome members, select leaders and provide orientation regarding their duties and responsibilities, including open meetings and transparency laws. Much of the session, however, was taken up by debate regarding one of the members.
Carolyn Wood is a senior environmental regulatory engineer for SpaceX, and several people who oppose the company’s presence in the Valley appeared at the meeting to voice their opposition to her inclusion on the panel. Several of them alleged conflicts of interest between her duties on the board and the company’s interests.
Wood’s expertise should be an asset to the task force. Moreover, her affiliation with the aerospace company is a reason to include rather than exclude her from the group.
Certainly, an advocacy group can be expected to want nothing to do with a representative from an entity many consider an environmental enemy. However, a governmental or quasi-governmental body that will enact or influence public policy should include rather than ban those who have a vested interest in that policy.
Hastily constructed policies have a nasty record of creating unexpected and unintended consequences. Including stakeholders in the process can help raise their concerns and mitigate unwanted results that could be avoided with more thorough discussion before policies are set and rules are imposed.
One member should not have the power to override the majority on any votes the group makes. Wood’s knowledge should be an asset to the group, and fears of undue influence likely are overblown. We need this panel to provide information that can help city officials make the best policy. That is more important than making political statements.