Diesel Pollution

* I am writing in response to Patrick McGreevy’s article, “Cleaner Fuels Urged Again for City’s Trash Trucks,” Nov. 8.

I firmly believe that a clean environment, particularly the air we breathe, is of critical importance as we strive to ensure the environmental quality of our city.

I have made two points very clear on the issue of using non-diesel-powered vehicles: I am committed to improving air quality through the use of clean fuel vehicles throughout the Los Angeles basin, and my priority is to set sound public policy, based on a comprehensive, careful review of information. When that is done, the operators of Sunshine Canyon will be required to comply, as they should.

Furthermore, the South Coast Air Quality Management District recently concluded a major study on air toxics in L.A. County that pins the bulk of the problem on diesel particulates. In January, the AQMD is expected to develop extensive regulations. No policy should be adopted without proper review. Be assured that I will advocate those new changes and regional regulations.

I am in support of a comprehensive approach to reducing air toxics, which requires more information and a careful review of the issues. Let’s tackle the issue full-blown and be assured that as we do, our quality of life is measurably improved.

MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS

City Councilman, 8th District

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* Re “City Must Be Driving Force in Reducing Diesel Pollution” by Mike Feuer (Nov. 13).

Earlier this year we saw the MTA upgrade a portion of its diesel fleet to natural gas, and now the City Council has banned diesel-powered garbage trucks from dumping in Sunshine Canyon in favor of the same upgrade. The Times has covered diesel-related problems in just about every area except our schools. It’s nice to know that trash will now be transported in cleaner-operating vehicles than our children.

JANICE S. EATON

North Hollywood