Exercise in futility
John Frederick’s column of Nov. 23-24 expressed what is reflected in the above title. Futility is not what the exercise has become.
This is a sincere man who is very knowledgeable and competent. He had an earlier column which cited the theme that “better to regulate than be hands off.”
This is a common sense article. Let us tell our grandchildren the stories of rivers near Cleveland catching fire, DDT and the Blair County Mosquito Commision, underground mine fires, air quality in the Mon Valley, streams polluted by old dumps and mine leachate.
These topics have been addressed successfully in the last 50 years along with the successes Frederick expressed in his article.
However, as one who has worked in industry and in the regulatory area, I must express politely that I believe much of the current climate concerns stem on madness.
There is no way we can become free of fossil fuels and have EV motors dominate anytime in the near future. As I agree that adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere is not a good idea, I urge you to search for contrariant views, which are out there.
When you do not control the metals, your environmental regulations prevent mining the metals you have, you do not have the energy, and manufacture of the devices is not environmentally sound in itself, how do you propose to meet some farfetched progressive deadline dictated by bureaucrats?
When the energy becomes available, maybe emission-free cars can be used in the cities to improve air quality and remove noise pollution. It has been suggested that the prudent use of this technology is to add life to the sources of fossil fuels.
Frederick’s work has not been futile. He is an honorable and courageous man. I just do not believe that you can stop climate change — with or without impeding carbon dioxide emissions. Look it up. The information is out there. Stop allowing overreach of environmental issues.
Be glad you have John Frederick. Let “turning the tide” happen in due course.
John W. Conrad
Retired Hydrogeologist, Altoona