I recently returned from a business trip to the San Francisco area, and noted this morning when I got up that it took a while to clear my throat and sinuses — something that didn't happen in traditionally polluted, car-loving California. The air there is now cleaner than ours!

What happened in California to clear its air, and how can we replicate that here? Obviously, it's possible to do it (since they have done it); they have industries and lots of cars.

What we lack is the will to change things. I suggest we start by requiring California-style emission controls on all vehicles sold here. Those cars are already available from every manufacturer.

If we're serious about ending the pollution here, it's a reasonable first step. I just hope we can make some progress before my lungs (and yours) are irreparably damaged.

Alan D. Eastman

Salt Lake City