Must make changes

By Steve C. Moe
Clovis

(Updated Monday, December 30, 2002, 4:28 PM)

The poor air quality in this area must be addressed.

As a teacher, I have noticed that the percentage of my students suffering from asthma has been on the increase for many years. In my current class, one of every four students uses an inhaler on a regular basis.

My suggestions:

Form car pools with co-workers. I save hundreds of dollars a year on gas costs alone. This also reduces wear and tear on vehicles and cuts down on the number of vehicles on the road, so traffic flow improves. It also allows social interaction.

Demand that automakers increase the fuel efficiency on all vehicles.

Demand that emission standards on diesel engines be implemented.

Stop the urban sprawl which developers have promoted in Fresno and Clovis. Create a green belt around our city limits and just say "no" to development outside the belt.

Create bike lanes and walking paths to allow commuters other travel options when weather permits.

Create a light-rail system to carry commuters between major locations within our sphere of influence.

Eliminate all ag burn days. The majority of ag waste can be used to produce electricity in biomass power production plants.

Demand accountability from our elected officials. If they are unwilling to vote for legislation to clean up our environment, get rid of them in the next election.

Implementing these suggestions will require us to make changes in our lifestyles. If we want to make our planet a better place for future generations we must act now.