Environment and Free-Trade Pact

American companies that relocate to Mexico to avoid complying with guidelines and regulations established by the South Coast Air Quality Management District should be sanctioned and have penalties imposed on them that would limit the importation of their products into the United States (Nov. 19). I believe a surcharge should be applied to the products and controls on the quantity of the products imported should be established. American companies must take responsibility for their former U.S. employees, who are now struggling to survive the loss of income, and to the citizens of Mexico, who are now subject to toxic wastes and air pollution generated by these companies.

I feel that a portion of the company’s profits should be earmarked for assisting former employees with job searches and/or entering academic programs that will expand their career opportunities. Another important area that these companies must be held accountable for is the negative effects on the environment and people of Mexico that result from the lack of environmental controls imposed by the Mexican government and the lack of compassion for human life by company officials. Unfortunately, money is the motivator in business. A clean Earth with healthy people is at the bottom of the list of concerns.

People helping people would be a wonderful motto for all businesses to uphold.

PATRICIA A. WELDON, Upland