March 20, 2009
By Rick Douglas
March 19, 2009
Eugene, Ore. -- We're beginning a special year-long project examining the issue of sustainability.
The city of Eugene is almost unique in that it has its own sustainability commission. But the topic is broad and in an attempt to narrow the focus a little i chose to focus on air quality right out of the gate.
Comments
Automotive smog testing
Lane County does not have an auto pollution problem, we do however, have a wood smoke and field burning problem. Auto smog testing is a solution looking for a problem. It is costly, time consuming, and ignores the fact the cars are getting cleaner every year. The road to cleaner air in Lane County is straight forward: First, why not do as California has, and require all wood stoves to have catalytic converters so they burn clean, and outlaw antiquated wood burners. Secondly, we must win the battle against field burning so that we all breath easier. We all want clean air, why not put the effort and money where it's really needed?
air quality
In regards to your rock climbing young man. His altruistic ideas are commendable and most of us want to be responsible citizens and take care of the planet. However......................
Living the way one wishes is a freedom that is to be cherished. Because there are those in this nation that are using a fabricated crisis (Global Warming) to tell Americans how they will live and forcing them to pay for a make believe phenomenon just to fund their political ideology, really irks me!
Everyone wants to use our resources responsibly but we need to be honest about the impact we are having first and not try to scare Americans into life style changes.
smog checks
I agree totally on the smog checks! It's just another government ploy to get into our pocketbooks and "Control" our lives! There is waaay too much Govt. interference now in all aspects of our lives!
In Ca. it started as a seemingly good idea and turned into a bureaucratic nightmare. The initial cost was $12 for a check...sometimes for many vehicles that were just fine! Now in most cases it's $50 ...or more. Bad idea in the long run!