Automakers can deliver on tougher emission standards

Published 1:30 am Monday, September 30, 2019

Fifty-five-plus years ago, my car “achieved” 15 miles per gallon on a good highway drive with no traffic, but smelled liked car exhaust (duh) if you were behind it. (“Your mileage may vary on Trump’s emissions rollback,” The Herald, Sept. 22)

Acceleration was acceptable, around 10 or 11 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour. About average for all cars. Then someone had the audacity to require higher mileage and less pollution.

“We will lose jobs and it will add $50 to a $3,000 car and 18 mpg is just impossible,” to approximate what the opponents said.

Well, here we are today with comparable cars getting 25 to 30 mpg, getting to 60 mph in about 7 seconds, and don’t stink. Cars cost about 10 to 15 times more now, as do gas and houses. I am glad someone moved the carrot out for car manufacturers because as their technology improved, we can afford the gas to run them, and one can only imagine what our atmosphere and climate would have been now.

I am not in favor of rolling back any goals for cars that would jeopardize my kids and grandkids health. I am for California’s leadership.

Bill Severson

Sranwood