to the editor: California set the standard for efficiency when electric vehicles were in their infancy and we all benefited. Now it is China that dominates the marketso much so that Volkswagen will be manufacturing 30 models of electric vehicles in China at approximately half the cost of production in Germany. That, combined with China's huge investments in renewable energy-powered manufacturing, means the United States will not be competitive in a global market.
So I understand why the president wants to force Americans to buy cars with internal combustion engines: to prop up an industry that has let its competition get ahead (“Trump plans to weaken vehicle mileage rules that limit air pollution.” December 3). But in this game of musical chairs, are you really winning when the music stops on infrastructure that relies on fossil fuels? Renewable energy is not going anywhere and the rest of the world will use it to power their cars for pennies on the dollar.
Pam Brennan, Newport Beach
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to the editor: This is another step in President Trump's dismantling of climate change initiatives. He has already ranted, ignorantly, that climate change is a “scam”.
The indifference shown to the serious consequences that climate change will have for our children and grandchildren, predicted by overwhelming scientific evidence, is appalling.
Climate change is is not a high priority issue for voters. Still, the best we can do is oust Trump's congressional Republican sycophants in the upcoming midterm elections, primarily to counter Trump's other egregious actions. But it would also reduce his support in Congress for dismantling climate change initiatives.
Obviously, the United States cannot solve the problem of climate change alone, but we are a necessary part of the effort.
Jack Holtzman, San Diego
