The “Condemned” article stated that
“private parties” like corporations can condemn private
property, bypassing government, for “public use” in
five Western states. If that is the case, then why can’t
“private parties” like incorporated environmental
groups condemn the private property of corporations for
“public use”? Rather than fight to change the state
constitutions, use existing provisions for “public use”
condemnation to acquire timber company-owned forests to maintain
oxygen for “public use,” to acquire mining operations
to get safe drinking water for “public use,” etc., etc.
The possibilities are endless.
Michael J.
Aune
Lynden, Washington
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Let’s start with a Kennecott Mine.
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