While I agree much of the rhetoric on this topic is generally less than intelligent, I have to disagree to some degree with Marty here. I hardly attribute the progress made in the environmental arena to groups pushing the envelope. Many businesses are becoming "greener," but the primary driver behind this move is not because they are becoming eco-friendly. They are doing so because it saves them money. It does not take a Harvard MBA to figure out using less paper or using less fuel is reducing the business' expenses, thereby increasing profits. What more, they can then spin themselves as eco-friendly to the public. This has been the primary driver in the improvements we have seen. The environmental groups are simply taking credit for it.

The fact of the matter is that many of these environmental groups generally are very focused on one particular issue and fail to see the larger system they are affecting and often don't seem to care either. Proper stewardship of the environment is in everyone's best interest, not just for political reasons, but for economic ones as well. Political reasons are probably the least important, but in this arena, are generally touted as the most important - it is PC to be green. But there must be a balance between the desires of these groups to mitigate everything immediately and our ability to improve these technologies. I am sure the railroads - or any prudent businessman - are eager to reduce their costs by becoming more efficient. But they cannot afford to do so if they must invest so much to get there.