Former Gov. Roy Barnes writes: "Nature needs a voice -- for Georgia's sake."

Former Gov. Roy Barnes writes in the AJC:

Georgia has some of the most breathtaking natural resources in the United States, especially along her coastline.

One can only marvel at how development has not spoiled our coast compared to Florida and South Carolina. It is then with concern that I have witnessed the gradual removal of those on the Board of Natural Resources who generally are considered to represent the interests of preserving natural resources as opposed to developing them.

I will tell you from a lifetime of experience in politics, [Sally] Bethea's non-confirmation was not the result of a serious advice-and-consent role of the state Senate, but rather the work of lobbyists who did not wish to answer some of the tough questions she posed about the safeguarding of our natural resources.

With the departure of Bethea, and fellow Board of Natural Resources members Ralph Callaway, Sara Clark and Jim Butler, there is no voice that speaks only for the environment.

This deprives the board of the tough questions and contrary arguments to those who are seeking to use rather than preserve what God has entrusted to us. The board should have all points of view represented and the exclusion of these fine members is a travesty. I only hope Gov. Sonny Perdue will appoint and the state Senate will confirm a balanced Board of Natural Resources so that generations who come after us will treasure and enjoy the natural beauty with which we have been entrusted for safekeeping.