Energy and Environment

I commend The Times for your special report At The Crossroads (Dec. 10) and for your continuing coverage of important environmental issues.

The report was an excellent summary of the environmental problems which face not only the Southern California area, but the rest of the state, and our nation as well. It is perhaps not surprising that the severity of our environmental problems has given Southern California a leadership role in developing and implementing solutions--which could become models for others to follow.

In developing these solutions, however, it is important that we recognize the interrelated nature of these problems, and focus on their root causes. For example, 80% of the major smog producing pollutants in California are the result of the production or consumption of energy in its various forms. Once we realize this relationship, it becomes clear that any meaningful, long-term solution to our air quality problems (as well as our transportation problems) must include consideration of the way we produce and consume energy.

At the state level, the Senate and Assembly recently initiated a cooperative venture to address the interrelated nature of energy and environmental problems. The Joint Committee on Energy Regulation and the Environment, which I chair, has begun an in-depth examination of three critical areas: (1) electricity resources and environmental impacts; (2) energy efficiency as a coordinated environmental and energy strategy; and (3) integrated solutions to energy, air quality, and vehicle problems. We intend to provide our next governor with a blueprint for restructuring and coordinating programs to address these problems.

The 1990s will truly be the decade of decision on environmental, energy and transportation problems for all Californians.

HERSCHEL ROSENTHAL

State Senate, D-Los Angeles