This is not a matter of personal opinion, but government policy. This article is a critique of current policies and more importantly an attempt to propose alternatives. This includes the building industry, road builders, civil engineers and the mining industry. This is the substance of current practice in archaeology.
Archaeology is an environmental issue.
The record of human history is a non-renewable resource, like oil or coal. Its quality and importance are negotiable and disputable. The situation of archaeology is not unique. This attitude is resented by some sections of the public, who do not believe that protection of the environment should be entrusted to market mechanisms. At present, these decisions lie with the developer.