Big Increase in Gas Prices

Gasoline prices have hit record highs, in part because of the Air Resources Board mandate requiring gasoline companies to sell so-called reformulated gas. Refineries claim they are spending $4 billion to $5 billion retrofitting to manufacture this “cleaner” gas--$4 billion to $5 billion they are willingly passing on to the consumer.

Oxygenated fuel is claimed to reduce emissions, but its lower fuel efficiency means fewer miles per gallon and more gasoline burned. Also, it can cause engine damage. Therefore, its higher pump price is only part of a substantial increase in the cost of driving.

Recent state and federal gasoline tax hikes mean that the motorist now pays 36 cents a gallon in taxes, plus another 8% or so in sales tax. Clearly the mandate for higher priced gasoline amounts to still another tax hike.

Although the ARB can relax this mandate, the Legislature should reverse it. It is not cost-effective. Today’s cars are over 98% cleaner than 20 years ago. Air quality has improved to the point where super-restrictive clean air standards should be reconsidered.

RICHARD DEIGHT

Buena Park

* I sit writing this letter on this beautiful Sunday, because I can’t afford to go anywhere! I would like someone to explain why I have to pay for some rich oil broker’s bad gamble (April 20)?

Is it my fault Iraq’s oil didn’t hit the market when the oil barons thought? Hell, they can’t lose! They make a bundle if they get Iraq’s cheap oil; they make money if it doesn’t show up.

I need some help! I am working my tail off and can’t get ahead. God help me if I get sick, because my house of debt is going to come tumbling down. Maybe we should have declared war on the oil companies instead of Iraq.

KIRK T. MARCH

Chino