Rep. Liz Pike’s, R-Camas, April 21 guest column “Low carbon fuel standard is bad policy” misses the mark — the impact on health, especially our kids’ health. Vehicles are a leading contributor to air pollution, and we know our children are particularly impacted. Pound for pound, they breathe in more toxins than adults do; exposure to pollution can prevent their lungs from fully developing.
In Washington state, 515,000 adults and 105,800 youth have asthma; 300,000 adults have COPD. Air pollution affects the quality of life for these Washingtonians.
A clean fuels standard will improve air quality and provide consumers with healthier choices at the pump. The program provides sensible options. Companies can utilize an array of choices to meet the standard: advanced biofuels, electricity, and propane.
Instead of spending our fuel dollars on out-of-state oil, let’s invest in homegrown energy and create local jobs. It’s good for our health and our economy.
