Many options available to relieve energy crisis

Re “Powerless at the pump,” Opinion, Aug. 18

There is a lot the president could have done about fuel prices. First, he could have greatly assisted the public in pressuring Congress to remove pork from the recently passed energy bill. The president could have demanded that instead of tax cuts and pork, the bill provide incentives and subsidies for the development of fuel-efficient public transportation in major urban areas.

And the president could have demanded that the bill require the auto industry to produce vehicles that would be much more fuel efficient than they are now. The American auto industry did not want this, but if more rigorous gasoline per mile requirements were imposed, the industry would meet them. If this means no more Hummers, very few people will miss them.

Bush cannot shrug off responsibility for a terrible energy bill.

STANTON J. PRICE

Glendale

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This president (and previous ones) is far from powerless. For one, President Bush could send a directive to the Federal Trade Commission to be much more stringent on which mergers to allow. Take Exxon Mobil Corp., whose second-quarter net income was $7.64 billion. Does anyone in his right mind think that this diminishment in competition would lead to lower gas prices? Second, the president could mandate a Manhattan-style project to develop a new energy source and wean the United States off of its petroleum addiction.

JOHN DORCH

Seal Beach

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I understand that the Iraqis are paying the equivalent of 5 cents per gallon for gasoline in their occupied country. President Bush, please invade California, where we are paying almost $3 a gallon.

ARTHUR W. SILVER

Coronado, Calif.