Environmental Regulations

The political focus of “Wilson Succeeds in Easing Environmental Safeguards”(Feb. 15) might leave readers with an incomplete or even misleading impression of Gov. Pete Wilson’s regulatory reform efforts. California has long combined many of the world’s strictest environmental standards with an often confusing and convoluted bureaucratic process.

Regulatory reform is focused on making the process simpler, faster, more enforceable and more accountable. This not only cuts economic costs, but it leads to more rapid achievement of the standards. Process reform is the key focus of the governor’s efforts; he is getting results and, as acknowledged in the article, there is broad agreement that it is necessary.

In contrast to regulatory reform of process, which is largely a legal matter, determination of the appropriate standards must be based on scientific issues concerning public health and environment. The governor supports the state’s ability to set standards more strict than national minimums when necessary; the issue is simply how to obtain and apply the most up-to-date scientific information.

JAMES M. STROCK, Secretary for Environmental Protection

Sacramento

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* I am appalled at Wilson’s decision to eliminate environmental regulations. Granted some regulations need streamlining, but Wilson’s assaults go beyond that.

I am particularly disturbed at Wilson’s unilateral decision to permit the use of methyl bromide, despite a pending international ban on this pesticide.

The survival of this planet will depend on our cooperation with international environmental regulations. Wilson is cynically trading off the lives, health and safety of future generations for a few votes.

WILLIAM JOSEPH MILLER

Los Angeles