They just don't see any sense to it. We are taking quite a risk by storing millions of tons of potentially environmentally hazardous materials in our state. It is an economically profitable industry, benefiting the poor rural counties that seriously need the funds. But we must consider the positives along with the negatives. The most similar industry to trash-importing is that of federal prisons.
States lobby to have federal prisons built within their boundaries.
They provide jobs both in construction of the buildings and as prison guards. As a result, money flows into the local economy, but this also causes a blight on the region. Washington D.C. Federal prisons often are built in extremely destitute states like West Virginia. In the past, Republicans in Virginia, like current Gov. George Allen, have put business interests ahead of environmental concerns, as illustrated by both the landfill industry, and in the minimal regulations on pollution that factories have. This is potentially a very dangerous industry, and the General Assembly should regulate it carefully.