Reduce emissions from cars

Although it is commendable that Gov. Chris Gregoire is advocating regional, national and international policies to limit carbon-dioxide emissions [“Gregoire urges action now to tackle acidity in waters,” NWWednesday, Nov. 28], what causes the problem is that Americans emit enormous amounts of carbon dioxide driving their cars.

Each gallon of gas consumed emits 22 pounds of carbon dioxide, the major contributor to global warming and ocean acidification. It is amazing how quickly one individual can use 100 gallons or so of gas, thus emitting one ton of carbon dioxide, especially when driving routine home-to-work roundtrips and driving one person per car. Multiply that by millions of Americans.

It is the aggregated and cumulative effects of our driving habits that is killing off this planet and, ultimately, ourselves. More extensive fast, frequent, flexible and affordable public transportation is the solution. Money spent on public transportation is far more likely to achieve the common good and general welfare than driving one’s private car.

— Virginia M. Paulsen, Shoreline