Oxygenated Gasoline

* Regarding the new EPA standards in California for the use of oxygenated gasoline for November, December, January and February: Since the use of this fuel is now mandated for all cars, the fuel economy of my new cars, that of my neighbors and persons polled by The Times this past year dropped an average of 15% to 20%. Combined with new very high emissions of alcohol from the fuel vents, the total amount of smog reduction is infinitesimal. If fuel economy drops 20% and smog reduction drops 10% to 15%, are we gaining anything other than more expense? The cost does indeed outweigh the benefit.

Congress has decided to add 4.3 cents to the fuel tax effective in October, and the state will add its sales tax of 4.3 cents. The outcome? A triple whammy as added double tax burdens and lousy fuel economy are about to return. Please encourage legislators to stop the oxygenated fuel in California.

RICHARD M. DEAN

Fullerton