State can do more in fighting air pollution

Re “The state of clean air,” editorial, April 10

California does command the leading role in the battle for clean air, but we can do more. An article in The Times on March 25 reported that USC researchers have concluded that deaths from breathing California’s bad air may be more than twice as high as previously estimated. And The Times is right to say we can’t wait for the feds to act.

That’s why BREATHE California of L.A. County encouraged the introduction of the Children’s Breathing Rights Act. Passed April 4 by the Senate Judiciary Committee, the legislation would direct a percentage of all air pollution penalties collected in California into a fund for children’s health initiatives in the areas where air penalties are assessed. We need to find better ways to curb air pollution and protect our future. Breathing is not optional.

ENRIQUE CHIOCK

President and chief executive

BREATHE California of L.A. County

Los Angeles