Pollution has been accepted as a consequence of growth. The logic has been that to reduce pollution would be to reduce the economy. Improved practices, increased efficiencies, renewable energies mean that for most of the US, pollution has been decreasing even as the economy improves.
42 out of 50 states decreased their CO2 emissions from power plants, making for a nationwide decrease of 12 percent – Grist
It may be possible to have a healthy planet and a healthy economy, but we have to ignore anachronistic wisdom.
(Click on the map for the link.)
“States Are Polluting Less And Their Economies Are Just Fine” – Grist
Pretending Not To Panic 