Letters to the Editor
High-tech approach
Since smog is a charged particle, why can't we attach to every vehicle and every light pole and telephone pole a grid mimicking the air cleaners for home use that trap these particles? Then they could be washed down a drain instead of floating in the air.'Sense of urgency'
I want to commend The Bee for the special report, "Last Gasp," which was a dramatic wake-up call for all residents. As depressing as the facts are, we must move forward. 'A new attitude'
As The Bee's terrific "Last Gasp" report of Dec. 15 made clear, air pollution in the Valley is choking us all. The time has come for a new attitude toward enforcing land-use and emissions regulations. We must stop letting the resistance of narrow and powerful local interests subvert regulations that will benefit all Central Californians. Three phases
Short-term priority: public pressure to enforce existing laws and regulations to remove "gross polluting" cars from the public roads. 'Ban drive-throughs'
Hard as it may be to believe, there is one relatively simple thing that can be done, not only to improve air quality, but also to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, limit stress and, as a special bonus, answer President Bush's call for improving the physical fitness of Americans: Ban drive-throughs. Letting them know
A meaningful way to help clean the air is to keep after local, state and national legislators to vote for environmental issues. Hearing from constituents can counteract the pressures they get from polluters. Just as important, we should elect only those who state they want to work for clean air and water. In particular, let local representatives be aware they are being watched, such as the Madera County supervisor who openly states he opposes environmentalists. Keep up the pressure
I believe there are two important areas that will ensure success in cleaning up our air. One is the power of the press, and the other is an enraged citizenry. 'Lot of lip service'
Since moving to Fresno four years ago, all I've heard regarding the air pollution problem is a lot of lip service and not much action. It sounds to me like the solution is the problem. What I mean is that those responsible for solving this situation -- the politicians and city, county and state agencies -- continue to fight each other. Or they are afraid they're going to step on the toes of some special interest group. 'Accept changes'
The basic fact about our air pollution is that there are already too many people, cows, cars, trucks and fireplaces in the San Joaquin Valley. Mother Nature cannot cope right now with the waste products of our technology, lifestyle and overpopulation. People who hate taxes and government regulation should realize that as we become more and more overcrowded, trying to have cities that are livable will become more expensive and require more limits on individual freedom. 'Devastating illness'
I have lived in the Valley all my life, and as a result now have a devastating illness that most have never heard of. It's called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). I had probably been developing it for some years now (I thought I had "allergies"), but it only became really noticeable after a September 1998 2,000-acre agricultural stubble burn that was a few miles upwind. 'Tough enforcement'
I moved here three years ago at retirement for the beautiful climate, to grow fruit and hike the foothills. I've had lung problems, for the first time in my life, ever since. An easy choice
Although I have fond childhood memories brought back by the sounds and smells of a warm crackling fire in our home, I also remember gasping for a breath of air while being rushed to the hospital. I would gladly forget both if I could. 'Stop all burning'
The first and easily the most obvious thing is to stop all burning. That's right: Agriculture burning, fireplaces and barbecues have to be shut down. 'We can't wait'
The American Lung Association of Central California congratulates The Bee and its Dec. 15 "Last Gasp" special report staff for an outstanding presentation of the air pollution and lung disease challenge facing the San Joaquin Valley. 'Black, stinky smoke'
Every time I have my car smogged, I laugh at the ridiculous futility of that gesture. 'Rare view'
Did you notice the difference in Fresno recently? Long-time residents may have forgotten the magnificent view of the Sierra Nevada that can be seen from anywhere in the city. Do what must be done
I hope everyone got a chance to glance to the east on Dec. 18. 'Acrid fumes'
Residents of the Valley have the right to be able to step outside their homes without being assaulted by smoke from fireplaces wafting over neighborhoods on top of our generally polluted air ("Last Gasp" special report). Must make changes
The poor air quality in this area must be addressed. 'Obvious solution'
Many households use fireplaces and wood-burning stoves solely for heating their homes and not for ambience. 'Harmful effects'
What can we do about air pollution? We need to get people to realize that our Valley is like a very big room with the doors and windows shut. 'Eliminated completely'
I have asked my neighbors for several years to substitute their wood-burning fireplaces with gas inserts that are much more efficient for heating. Keep politics out
The solution to our dirty air is simple, provided we keep partisan politics from clouding the issue. Agriculture's role
I realize I'm treading on hallowed ground in the following suggestions, but I don't feel I'm out of line. 'Read it and do it'
The excellent reporting by The Bee staff on the "Last Gasp" coverage is a step in the right direction.
|
