All choked up

By Editorial

California may be mocked as the "land of fruits and nuts," but apparently it's also the land of smoggy air and particle pollution, according to the American Lung Association's annual report.

It's disgusting that eight of the top 10 polluted cities are in California, and that the top four overall are Los Angeles, Visalia-Porterville, Bakersfield and Fresno. Poor environmental regulations and increasing numbers of suburbanite commuters have left this state with filthy air and numerous health risks as the overtaxed ozone exacerbates asthma and leaves residents prone to lung disease and lung cancer.

However, ugly as these statistics are, there is hope for the state of the Golden State.

The passage of the Clean Air Act heralded a small decrease in pollution levels, but the Lung Association recently released a statement in a CNN report that the Bush administration plans to inhibit the Act. Rather than taking a step back, this Act should be pushed forward and allowed to continue in its fight against particle pollutants, like power plant emissions and diesel exhausts.

Also, increased availability of hybrid cars, priced more reasonably, would make a remarkable difference in the air quality in at-risk cities.

It is also noteworthy that tougher pollution standards will come at a hefty price. Meeting such qualifications requires more sophisticated machinery and labor, which will inevitably cause an increase in gas prices. California drivers already grimace at the thought of filling their tanks, pained to think of the abuse they take at the pumps. But its a necessary evil.

If we want to breathe clean, fresh air and avoid humiliation in national smog reports and rankings, we have to accept that it will entail our support and willingness to pay exorbitant gas prices.

Carpooling is also a viable solution, as it will decrease the number of commuter vehicles clogging the freeways and motorists can split their gas bills.

No matter what, less pollution means we'll all breathe easier.