TIGHTER AUTO EMISSION STANDARDS/CONTROLLING MINING BY-PRODUCTS

We blame technology for much of the waste and poisons released into our air, dumped into our rivers and streams, and contaminating our soil. What we often overlook is that new technology is limiting these occurances every year. This article from today's New York Times describes new minimums on miles per gallon for autos as well as new standards for waste disposal from mines. I am from Nevada and want not only clean air but clean dirt. I am an organic gardener and don't want to replace soil for my vegetables which has been contaminated by used oil or chemicals from past mining operations. As suburbs spread into old mining areas these controls become more important to Mankind. They have always been important in the context of the wildlife which inhabit these old mining sites. The new milage minimums of 35.5 miles per gallon for fleets is wonderful. Should be mandated nationwide also for ALL autos. Who would have thought in 1970 when we first became concerned about these matters that such milage would be commonly possible? I applaude the scientists and engineers who toil each day to improve these standards. Again, I am less concerned about the effect on so-called global warming than I am about breathing these emissions. However, all in all the regulations and the technology is a very good thing.