Tap natural resources

Like Ron Wells (Nov. 6), I’m for closing tax loopholes and making everyone pay their fair share, but the federal and many state governments are broke. So let’s talk jobs that bypass state and federal funding.

The Western U.S. has near-limitless natural resources. Many are renewable. Wisely used and managed, these renewable resources are here for future generations.

The government has systematically locked up these natural resources; oil in Alaska, natural gas in the Rocky Mountains and timber resources throughout the West.

Unlocking these resources would create good-paying jobs, expand tax revenue and decrease imports. Counties with large swaths of federal land would have receipts in lieu of taxes plus a larger tax base. Instead, counties are begging Congress for handouts.

Expanding economic activity increases property tax revenue for schools. Workers with good jobs have the option of better health care. Best of all, the private sector finances these jobs.

With legislation, Congress and the president can change this without spending a dime. It will take courage and commitment to pass the necessary legislation. There will be a group of naysayers who oppose it. But opposition only continues the cycle – a dependent class of rural counties and small cities.

Fred Ebel

Post Falls