From Deseret News archives:
Utah adds to U.S. growth
But school population and water usage offer challenges to state
The United States hit the population milestone at about 5:46 this morning, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The nation's population clock, online at www.census.gov, was at 299,995,920 at 5 p.m. Monday.
"It's something worth celebrating," said Dan Griswold, director of the Center for Trade Policy Studies at the Cato Institute. "We're a unique nation. We have a large population and a high standard of living. That magnifies our influence."
The census estimate is based on the nation adding one person every 11 seconds. And Utah, which surpassed 2.5 million people for the first time last year, is adding one person every seven minutes, according to the Utah Population Estimates Committee.
Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s office issued a statement lauding the state's continuing growth, and the nation's, saying "300 million Americans is a historic achievement for our country."
The United States is the world's third-largest nation, populationwise, behind China's estimated 1.3 billion people and India's 1.2 billion.
"We need to make dramatic changes," said Jim Baird, Sustainability Education Program director of the Izaak Walton League of America. "Look at the night sky over us and how many lights there are. We are using it in ways that is harming the land and its ability to rejuvenate."
Griswold, however, pointed to problems faced by nations, including Japan, Russia and much of western Europe, which are "about to see a steep population decline." That, he said, is leading to problems such as how to pay for pension programs or maintain vibrant economies.
"Our population continues to grow in part because we are a hopeful, youthful, optimistic nation," he said.
He noted advantages such as a bigger market for American companies, a more dynamic division of labor, and more innovation. He noted that Americans won four of the six 2006 Nobel Prizes.
He said Americans now have a life expectancy of 77.8 years, compared to 70.5 years when the nation hit the 200 million milestone in 1967.
Comments
- Cuba-U.S. migration talks delayed 12:39 p.m.
- Stocks trade mixed 12:35 p.m.
- Death penalty possible in slayings 12:15 p.m.
- Senators seek cost controls 12:07 p.m.
- 'Slight' Games impact on Vancouver 11:54 a.m.
- Nadal cruises, Spain leads Czechs 11:52 a.m.
- U.S. looks to expand drone attacks 11:52 a.m.
- Tiger, alleged mistress keep quiet 11:50 a.m.
- Study: Global warming not easing 11:43 a.m.
- Obama: Plan to 'jump-start' hiring 11:41 a.m.
- Mr. Football 2009: Tuni Kanuch
- Harpring's NBA career is over
- Miller predicted Tiger's rough road
- Phoenix signs off on LDS temple
- MVPs wrap up stellar prep careers
- 5A high school football All-State
- Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
- Utah Jazz going green with unis
- Jazz: Miles, Kirilenko to play Friday
- 4A high school football: All-State
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
407 - Max Hall issues apology
393 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
362 - Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
288 - Utes won't respond to Hall
278 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
247 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
228 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
188 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
175 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
174
That does it — I'm having an affair! Thanks to Tiger Woods, David...
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
Zions Bank has a free online holiday gift planner that's creating some...
You should sign-up for English Comp.101.Also, Fox News is way to high brow...
Have you been to USU? "BYU is far better...definitely in the area of personal...
USA has England, Slovenia and Algeria. The US should make it to the 2nd...
Anonymous 11:27 - Do you have any evidence that "similar great miracles"...
Does Obama have any clue about running a business? As a small business...
I couldn't disagree more. I think our draw is good as we could knock off...
More LIES! Remember, If you tell a lie long enough, it becomes the truth!
I would like to know how they are going to verify that the persons...
...have fun in your 3rd place bowl. By the way, if you want to know what a...
Was Archie Manning a hater too? If so, Max has a good shot. Go Max.




You can be the first to comment on this story.