Pollution
* “AQMD Adopts Tough New Rules For a Variety of Paints,” May 15.
I remember here in the Valley when we had no smog, the AQMD [South Coast Air Quality Management District] prohibited smudge pots for the citrus crops, then restricted the use of backyard incinerators and burning, finally prohibiting the practice altogether. Around this time, in hot weather, you could see smog inching its way toward the Valley from the L.A. basin. Soon the AQMD prohibited petroleum-based barbecue lighter fluid and then put restrictions on restaurants char-broiling hamburgers.
Granted, some AQMD restrictions are warranted but let’s face facts: Diesel engines in buses, trucks, cars, tractors and heavy equipment along with refineries are and always have been the culprits producing smog! We desperately need to follow the example of Chattanooga, Tenn., which eliminated diesel buses and manufactured its own electrically operated buses.
The AQMD needs to worry more about the air quality of L.A. and less about the power and influence of the real polluters.
LOUIS THOMPSON
Woodland Hills
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