Emitting opinions about greenhouse gas bill

Re “State on Verge of Greenhouse Gas Restrictions,” Aug. 31

In opposing the greenhouse gas bill, Republicans in the state Legislature say the federal government should take the lead. That would be fine, except that they have never called for federal action on climate change and they know that President Bush is in denial about the problem. They’re fighting for their business friends over the public interest.

California once again leads the nation in environmental protection.

BILL COLLINS

San Diego

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Thanks for the Ohio jobs bill. We have plenty of good workers, cheap land and housing here in Ohio to absorb all the manufacturers you chase out of the state while you achieve zero climate impact. I have a 5,000-square-foot house I will sell you for $499,000 while I look to upgrade.

TOM BARNEY

Findlay, Ohio

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I heard something old and creaky in the responses from some of the polluting-industry representatives who thought the Global Warming Solutions Act that legislative leaders and Gov. Schwarzenegger passed would be bad for business and make energy prices higher. Would they say the same thing if raw sewage was being dumped into the ocean by the ton? The truth is the measure is good for business. Rolling back emissions to 1990 levels, and the new controls on global-warming polluters, will help ensure that there is a planet around to do business in -- and healthy people to conduct that business.

It also will allow California to start breaking the expensive dependence on fossil fuels and spark a revolution in energy technology that could wind up producing tens of thousands of jobs. Hopefully, the rest of the country -- and the world -- will follow suit.

JEFFREY AINIS

Crestline

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When he was running for governor, I don’t remember Schwarzenegger saying he would negotiate with Democratic leaders and compromise on issues like raising the minimum wage and capping so-called greenhouse gases. Businesses aren’t the only interests who feel abandoned. What about the voters?

This is what we get for electing a two-dimensional action hero and Republican-in-name-only governor. What happened to “the governator” who was going to turn the state around?

RICHARD DEIGHT

Buena Park

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As a bicyclist, I am keenly aware of the traffic increase when schools open; the morning traffic seems to at least double. If the legislators and citizens really are serious about reducing greenhouse gases, here is a good place to start: Parents should be allowed to drive their children to school only if they have a permit based on special needs. It would be good for the kids to walk or bike to school and for their parents to accompany them. This also would help reduce the increased incidence of obesity in both the child and adult population.

GLENN TURNER

Woodland Hills