Letter: ‘Clunkers’ aren’t causing largest amount of pollution

Saturday, April 25, 1998 | 3:59 a.m.

I have lived in Las Vegas for almost seven years. It appears, from what I have read in the news media, that everybody is in charge during the countless studies that name countless committees to make another study. In this instance, a study on pollution.

But when it comes down to actually doing something positive to make it healthier to live here, no one is in charge.

We already know that pollution is a worldwide problem. It is not going to get any better. With each study that takes place, it only sets the solution back weeks and months and years. Especially if the result is addressed more than the cause. And the cause is not treated fairly and with consistency.

The cause is the production of carbon monoxide by all vehicles, including large trucks, buses, construction equipment, power mowers, airplanes, gravel-pit equipment. The list is endless.

First, an understanding has to be reached on what is causing pollution. We cannot blame lack of wind, lack of rain, hot days, inversion layers or whatever. An agreement has to be reached as to the determinant.

Quit blaming and stating that the other person is making a greater contribution than we are to the carbon monoxide in the air. The notion that a very small number of "old clunkers" are contributing the largest amount of pollution is simply a cop-out by our esteemed public servants.

Before the state, county and city attempt to apply stricter standards to passenger cars and trucks and to the "old clunkers," there are other avenues to consider. First, apply the same standards to all vehicles, including 18-wheelers, construction equipment, i.e., dozers, scrapers and water haulers.

Second, do not offer any incentives to those whose vehicles cannot pass the smog test. The incentive, to have a vehicle that can pass the test, should be enough. If it is not affordable to the ones who cannot pass the requirements, they can use our public transportation system.

John Sandoval Jr.