[alistairSH]

you've outsourced your morals to the legislature

That's basically the whole point of a representative government, no?

[potato3732842]

>That's basically the whole point of a representative government, no?

That attitude is the problem. They're supposed to represent you (or some approximation thereof) not tell you what to think. It's in the f-ing name.

[alistairSH]

So vote for somebody else.

The laws exist because we, collectively, thought they were a good idea. They can be changed if/when we change our minds.

For this specific thing, the drag while proving lack of damage is the point. Once the road/rail/bridge/whatever is built, it's often too late to simply say "oops". That, plus industry has a well deserved reputation for ignoring the environment when it becomes inconvenient.