Waxman’s Help in Passing Clean Air Act

In response to “Something Special in the Wind” (editorial, Oct. 31):

We couldn’t agree more with your statement that “the 1990 (Clean Air Act) amendments represent the end of a long federal holiday from environmental protection.”

Congress has taken a major step toward a healthier America by finally launching a tough clean air program. There are many people responsible for this victory, but no one deserves more credit than Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles). Without his talented, persistent efforts, public health and the environment would continue to suffer from the air pollution plague.

Beginning in the 1970s, Rep. Waxman led the charge to clean up urban smog in Los Angeles and across the nation by working for rigorous controls on motor vehicles and other pollution sources. He also fought to halt acid rain in New England, reduce cancer-causing emissions in Louisiana and protect the ozone layer vital to life on Earth. Each of these programs is in the Clean Air Act of 1990, and will benefit all Americans. And each of these victories was achieved despite fierce opposition from the auto, oil and other well-heeled special interests.

As you noted, the Clean Air Act is “insurance against air so foul it could eventually choke this region’s entire economy.” The public health insurance policy called the Clean Air Act of 1990 would not have occurred without Rep. Waxman’s legislative wizardry and bulldog tenacity.

SUSAN MERROW, President

Sierra Club, Washington, D.C.