Alaska Quote by Malcolm Forbes
“I hope a start at getting some oil out of the enormous Alaska field isn't indefinitely mired in a bureaucratic morass as a result of our national concern for the ecology. This concern must not be so misguided, misdirected, misused that it serves to stop economic growth, to bankrupt companies, to stifle new development, new jobs, new horizons. In fighting new pollution and stemming present pollution, exciting, sometimes costly means and methods exist and others will evolve. But blanket legislative naysaying to expanding power and energy sources is stupid, self-defeating.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public commentary on energy policy, 2010s
Advocates balanced environmental concern without stifling economic growth, urging innovative, cost‑effective pollution solutions.
In simple terms: Protect ecology while allowing responsible resource development.
Seek sustainable growth, not blanket bans.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- energy sector planning
- environmental regulation
- business strategy
- government policy
- public debate
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure new energy projects are both profitable and environmentally sound?
- What mechanisms can prevent bureaucratic inertia from blocking innovation?
Overemphasis on growth can ignore long‑term ecological risks.