AQMD Plan for Air Quality

David Harrison’s commentary on the South Coast Air Quality Management district’s clean-air plan (“Realistic Air-Quality Goals Will Prevent Cost Explosion,” Op-Ed Page, Jan. 11) is simply another attempt to rationalize continued unsafe levels of air pollution.

AQMD’s proposed air-quality management plan is the product of more than five years of extensive planning, study and research. It has been discussed and improved through hundreds of public hearings, workshops and meetings with the public, elected officials and scientists to assure that it is both reasonable and evenhanded.

Less costly, and less aggressive, plans proposed by the oil industry and electric utilities have one common denominator--they compromise public health.

Industry’s alternative plans tend to ignore the harmful effects of nitrogen oxides from refineries and power plants.

Nitrogen oxides irritate the lungs, cause bronchitis and pneumonia, and lower resistance to respiratory infections, as well as contribute to acid fog and the formation of fine particulates, which reduce visibility and can cause cancer.

Not even industry leaders here would ridicule the health impacts of air pollution to the extent that Harrison does. Smog harms everyone’s health, from the young and the elderly to joggers and fitness buffs.

AQMD’s plan calls for steady reductions in air pollution starting immediately, eliminating all Stage 1 smog episodes in 10 years, with full attainment of all federal health standards in 20 years.

Harrison argues that is unreasonably fast. I believe it is not soon enough. His cost estimates are spurious and remarkably consistent with those who “play with the numbers” and use this tactic to delay any serious effort to achieve healthful air.

AQMD’s plan is aggressive and reasonable. Its cost is not disproportionate if we value human life. Furthermore, the district’s plan accommodates a 37% increase in population, a 47% increase in employment and an approximate doubling of economic activity.

And all this can be done while still protecting public health, improving visibility and cleaning the air.

NORTON YOUNGLOVE

SCAQMD Chairman

Riverside County Supervisor