> Right now, though, they just try to put the pollution in the least harmful place.
> That, really, is what the industrial pollution issue is about - doing the same thing that's already being done in a less environmentally damaging fashion. That I can support (reservedly) - I think, if there is a reasonable alternative that produces less pollution, it should at the very least be explored.

Doing the same thing that's already being done forever is a wonderful dream -- but not one we'll be able to live if we continue using without replacing and polluting without cleaning. Sooner or later, there's going to be a drastic reduction in lifestyle because we weren't willing to take a mild one today. Sure, we may not suffer it. But unless there's another Earth close by, some generation is going to suffer it sooner than you think.

> And as governments right now (at least here in the United States, anyhow) are currently attempting to address a declining economy, now is not the right time to be hoping for major environmentalist legislation.

And naturally, in a succesful economy it would be foolish to implement environmental legislation -- why mess with what's working!