Switching to Biodiesel Is Cheaper and Healthier

“Fans of Diesel Dream of a Return to California of the Fuel-Efficient Cars” (Aug. 28) relates the lamentation of those who want to buy diesel cars and light trucks in California, and capture the perceived values of these vehicles (and the newest federal tax incentive to buy them).

But it fails to mention the relationship of diesel use and disease, most notably lung diseases such as asthma. In fact, The Times has run stories in recent months describing the link between the extensive use of diesel fuels at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, diesel locomotives and the high levels of diesel truck traffic along the 110 and 710 freeways with health problems suffered by the residents in those areas.

Switching to biodiesel is cheaper than buying new engines or converting existing vehicles to other petroleum fuels or ethanol. It is a solution that can happen quickly, and it will reduce our trade deficit immediately while redirecting the wealth we are now sending overseas to our own heartland.

At the same time, it will reduce air pollution for those living near ports, freeways and warehousing and commercial centers.

Tim O’Connell

Westchester