Virginia is falling behind in efforts to clean waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. A large part of this problem is the rapid growth in recent decades of impervious surfaces. As a conservationist, I may have a very different idea than Mr. Patiello of what the “highest and best use of land” is. I favor restricting development of land, especially that in riparian zones and on steep slopes. All new development creates water quality and runoff problems, and exacerbates habitat fragmentation and loss.

A more fair way to fund needed transportation improvements is increasing the tax on motor fuel and perhaps on vehicle sales.