In a message dated 97-08-06 14:28:58 EDT, ecopaige@metro.net (Dean C. Paige)
writes:
<< As a former Environmental Regulator (Industrial Waste Control) and as a
present regulatee (Environmental Compliance Officer, City of Santa Rosa
- I try to make sure no one in our organization goes to jail for
violation of enviro regs) I have followed the environmental regulations
related threads with interest. I was trained as an Environmental
Biologist at UC Santa Barbara and in my informed opinion the Ozone Layer
question is far from resolved. Both sides have presented cogent
arguments. But planetary and atmospheric sciences are fledgelings. At
this point I'd rather err on the side of caution. I humbly submit that
those of you who have disdain for the environmental regs in the U.S.
might consider the alternatives.
Prior to the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts (CWA, CAA) we were headed for
real trouble. Most major rivers were unfit for recreational use including
swimming, fishing and boating; some were so bad that there were literally
no fish left alive, at least one would spontaneously burst into flames.
There were no controls on auto exhast or industry air pollution
emissions, major sections of industrialized states were choked with smog
and the quality of everyones health suffered.
In the 25 years since the enactment of these landmark regulations things
are improved considerably. New cars, if properly maintained, emit less
than a 50th of the Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) as unequipped cars.
Smokestack emissions have been drastically reduced. Our rivers, streams
and lakes are cleaner than they have been since the industrial
revolution. We and our children will lead healthier lives because of the
efforts of U.S environmentalists.
Sure, sometimes the so called environmentalists go too far (there are
radicals and nuts in any movement). Some bogus legislation gets through,
some junk science is held by the naive as gospel, but most of us are
dedicated to insuring the health of ouselves, our communities and our
planet.
Want to see what happens without controls; travel in industrialized areas
of Mexico or for the worst horrors imaginable the industrial centers of
the former USSR where in the entire industrial age no thought was given
to the results of environmental disregard. See a sulfuric acid factory in
Poland where nothing grows in 10 km radius, witness Chernobel and a rich
agricutural landscape abandoned because of radiation.
The world looks to three Countries for environmental solutions - the
U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands. Why? Because the rest of the world
notes that we are the best at developing the technology to provide for a
healthy environment and also that in spite of making huge expenditures in
the area we are still the most prosperous countries in the world. The
movement has created tens of thousands of jobs, immensely increased
technological and scientific knowledge and most importantly provided a
more healthful environment. And lets remember when we bash any particular
administration that the movement has had bi-partisan support
historically. A republican adminsitration enacted the CWA and CAA.
I know smog laws are a pain in the ass. But keep in mind that most of our
classic cars are not held to the same standard as a new vehicle. The
standards were set for these vehicles based on the technology available
at the time of manufacture. A well maintained pre-pollution control auto
will pass smog. My TR-6 has every two years since I moved to CA in 1976.
And those of us who drive LBCs are fortunate. Parts for most of our cars
are redably available. Try getting parts for an American car thats 25
years old. We've got Moss, Rimmer, TRV, VB and on and on.
I have a long standing relationship with my TR-6 (I know that sounds a
little strange). My part of the relationship is that I treat her with
respect and that means doing everything I can to keep her running to the
best of my ability and so that she has as minimal an effect on the
environment as possible considering her design and age. Her part is that
she provides me with a sense of accomplishment and the priveledge of
driving a truly distinctive, personality laden machine that just makes me
feel good and not incidentally attracts a lot of attention. It's been a
successful relationship for 25 years. Something has to be right.
I'm done now, had to get it off my chest. All I ask is that you think
about it.
Deano
>>
Amen and thank you.
Les Landon
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