But if we are going to celebrate the gains, then we had better look hard at what has been lost. Property taxes and crime have soared along with employment. The incidence of rape in Vernal exceeds that of the rest of Utah, which exceeds that of the United States as a whole. At the same time, air quality has dramatically worsened, and last winter's ozone levels in this rural county rivaled those of Los Angeles. These very real problems are counterbalanced for the citizens by the gifts the boom brings. But what happens when boom turns bust? When Big Oil leaves and the problems remain?
The text emphasizes the dual nature of economic growth in Vernal, highlighting the significant gains alongside alarming losses. While employment rates have improved due to an influx of industry, there has been a troubling rise in property taxes and crime rates, particularly concerning the high incidence of rape, which outstrips both state and national averages. Additionally, the area is facing severe air quality issues, with last winter's ozone levels being comparable to those found in major urban centers like Los Angeles.
This situation poses a stark question: what happens when the economic boom comes to an end? With the possible departure of the oil industry, the community may be left grappling with persistent problems that have exacerbated during the boom period. The gifts of rapid growth must be weighed against the consequences, suggesting a need for awareness and planning as the town navigates potential changes in its economic landscape.
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Other quotes in All The Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
