Consumers need utility reform, not gas pollution
Re: “Regulating appliances only makes life harder” (July 20).
Fred Guttmann is right about one thing: California electricity rates are too high. But that’s a utility problem, not a reason to keep burning gas. Natural gas prices are rising too, and maintaining California’s aging gas pipeline system will become more expensive as fewer people use it. Meanwhile, solar, wind, battery storage and highly efficient heat pumps are making clean energy more affordable and reliable. California’s expanded battery storage has already helped prevent blackouts during recent heat waves.
Gas appliances also come with hidden costs. Gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide and benzene into our homes, increasing asthma risk, especially for children. The Bay Area Air District estimates that reducing pollution from gas furnaces and water heaters could prevent up to 85 premature deaths and 15,000 asthma attacks each year. We need utility reform and cleaner energy, not more pollution.
– Mina Van Roy, Palo Alto, 350 Silicon Valley
See full article: