Swiss Cite Pollution, Call for Gas Rationing

A coalition of environmental groups Tuesday called for nationwide gasoline rationing, expressing growing concern about air pollution, which has been linked to widespread damage to Switzerland’s forests.

Polls have shown that environmental problems are the public’s No. 1 concern. Parliament is to hold a special session on Switzerland’s dying forests starting next Monday.

In a study released in Bern, the environmental groups claimed their rationing plan could reduce gasoline consumption by as much as 50% in four years and that public transport could take up the slack.

The Swiss government has lowered speed limits on Swiss roads and tightened exhaust emission requirements for new cars.