AQMD Rules
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Re “AQMD to Drop Several Anti-Smog Regulations,” July 18:
In the new doublespeak of air pollution policymaking, less action somehow means more progress. What’s wrong with this picture?
Each year, toxic particles in air pollution kill 6,000 people in the Greater Los Angeles area. About half the year, ground-level ozone impairs breathing, causing lung damage, mostly due to the production and use of petroleum products. The air district’s latest proposal? Gut anti-smog rules on industry and commuters.
In the last five years, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has cut back on law enforcement, halted rule-making to reduce air pollution, thwarted disclosure to communities of toxic chemical hazards and advanced false promises about the trading of air pollution credits. Why? To appease the oil industry and other business interests whose profits are enhanced when people are sick and dying from air pollution.
Public health protection...that’s the missing element in the air district’s latest “clean air” plan.
MICHAEL BELLIVEAU
Executive Director
* CARLOS PORRAS
Southern California Director
Communities for a Better Environment
Los Angeles
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