The editorial "Ozone season: Our only defense is driving less in summer" (Our View, June 23) is contrary to established facts on ozone sources. Gasoline-fueled cars produce only a small proportion of the nitrous oxides underlying ozone pollution. Therefore, driving cars less cannot possibly meaningfully reduce ozone. Industry and nature (especially in summer) are the largest sources of ozone.

Furthermore, the preponderance of automotive transport is purposeful and necessary. Especially at these prices! Scolding the driving public is a useless rant that makes about as much sense as telling us to use squirt guns to fight forest fires. Conversely, your transit solution is a significant ozone source. Diesel combustion is far and away the primary transportation source of nitrous oxides. And Utah Transit Authority's nearly empty buses produce a lot of it.

The Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Departments of Energy and Transportation maintain ample, accurate and accessible information on pollution sources that demonstrate the minor role of autos in ozone production. Unfortunately, on the topic of transportation, The Trib is a maelstrom of misinformation.

William Bowen

Salt Lake City