This reminds me a bit about a story retold from the book Stangers in their Own Land, a former oil worker who ratted out the oil industry dumping poison in the

This reminds me a bit about a story retold from the book Stangers in their Own Land, a former oil worker who ratted out the oil industry dumping poison in the water supply. And the coal industry in WV. There are people who will put up with cancer causing chemicals for jobs, but dammnit any government control is beyond the pale. I don't know how you reason with these people. It's not limited to the southern region of the US - it happens when people in PA and Upstate NY fight over permissions for fracking on private land. However it does seem like wherever there are knowledge economy opportunities people will prioritze health and welfare, while in areas that are not as advanced will fight tooth and nail to let these companies do what they want, even if it means it will kill them. I can only shake my head.