Petroleum businesses can fend for themselves

Re “Conservative conservation,” editorial, Sept. 28

Why should the government provide tax breaks to the oil industry to encourage expansion of production capacity? Why do they need federal encouragement to do what any self-respecting competitor in the marketplace would do? Clearly, the profit motive is there, since the major companies are posting record profits. Tax breaks for the costs of repairing damaged refineries should not be offered because prudent businesses should have had insurance and contingency funds to cover these costs.

Give tax breaks to the people who need them. Use federal funds to finance the rebuilding of state and community infrastructure and tell the petroleum businesses to fend for themselves.

RAYMOND J. MELROSE

Los Angeles