Administration’s Energy Policy
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The Times has brought a vast amount of talent to its series (March 24-27) on the questions of energy and transportation. The series, however, falls short in a critical area; it neither asks nor answers the question, why is the nation in this potentially catastrophic situation? Carla Lazzareschi (“Smart Way to Unclog Roadways,” March 30) comes closest with her quotes from Ronnie Lipschutz (UC Santa Cruz) and Steven Shladover (UC Berkeley).
Lipschutz, of course, is correct; “smart” streets and “smart” cars will exacerbate the problem. There is a refusal, exemplified by the Shladover response, to examine the origins of the problem. The UC Berkeley Institute for Transportation Studies is notorious for turning a blind eye.
The nation has a problem similar to the market/economics dilemma of the Soviet Union. Ours differs in that our market failure is principally in the transportation sector; but its rectification will certainly be equally difficult.
May I suggest that The Times consider an article dealing with the financial and environmental externalities (subsidies) that pervade the automobile/truck/highway sector and that are the essential cause of the American problem?
STANLEY HART, Chairman
Transportation Committee
Sierra Club Angeles Chapter
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