AP photo
The item below illustrates my contention that environmental groups that once spent a llot of effort fighting the Intercounty Connector need to accept the fact they lost, stop sulking and get engaged in the issues surrounding the opening of the toll road.
Many of these opponents are so emotionally affected by their defeat that they can't get their heads around the fact that the ICC is for all intents and purposes existing infrastructure. And existing infrastructure, as anyone who took Smart Growth 101 knows, is something to be valued and put to maximum use.
The action taken by the Maryland Department of Transportation to procure 18 buses is a start toward deliveriing on the promise that the ICC will be used as a corridor for transit as well as executives in their Hummers.
Environmental groups should be wading into the debate -- demanding even more resources for transit on the ICC and low fares. Those are goals more consistent with protecting the Chesapeake Bay than complaining about high tolls and vowing personal boycotts.
Maryland needs strong, smart environmental advocacy just as much as it need healthy businesses. It's time for the greens to drop the hissy fit and move on to the next battles -- including the one for robust, affordable transit service on the ICC. Their chance of influencing policy is much greater if they weigh in before it has been announced.