To the editor: Can anybody clarify to me the nationwide obsession we, the folks, have with company executives? Why will we steadily anoint them with superlatives regarding their psychological acumen, ethical compass, benevolence, righteousness, and so on., when there is no such thing as a proof that almost all of them even know the which means of these phrases?
State regulators through the Public Utilities Fee tried to power the removing of previous transmission strains that had not been in use, nor have been probably for use within the close to future (“‘This fire could have been prevented’: How utilities fought removal of old power lines,” Aug. 1). These have been additionally strains that have been recognized to be probably harmful. Sounds affordable. However amid opposition from utility corporations, the PUC allowed these previous, unused strains to stay up till utility executives determined that they have been to be completely deserted. As soon as once more, appointed representatives accountable for overseeing public security selected to kowtow to company executives.
Disgrace on the PUC for not having a backbone. And extra disgrace on company America for as soon as once more placing revenue earlier than public service. I’m positive the company executives of the utility corporations will obtain their wage, inventory choices, bonuses and company pensions no matter what number of lives are misplaced. When will the typical citizen of this nation cease this absurd, unsubstantiated perception that the majority massive firm leaders care about something besides their private backside line?
Lee Baresi, Riverside
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To the editor: So Southern California Edison has allegedly recognized that previous transmission strains might trigger fires for years and lobbied in opposition to being pressured to take away them. As a substitute of permitting costs to be raised for individuals who put in photo voltaic panels, how about socializing {the electrical} energy system? Make the SCE grid a public utility. The corporate doesn’t should have the environmentally aware pay for his or her greed and failures to do what is correct.
Larry Severson, Fountain Valley
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To the editor: The Aug. 1 Los Angeles Occasions contains an article about utilities preventing the removing of previous energy strains and one other article about early issues relating to helicopter site visitors in Washington, D.C. (“Military chopper traffic over Washington was a worry leading up to fatal midair crash, NTSB hears,” July 31) Aren’t these each mainly about the identical factor: entrenched powers preventing change?
The utility corporations don’t wish to take away previous tools in all probability due to prices and a slim likelihood of reuse. And the Federal Aviation Administration, Military and Air Drive have their very own doubtful causes for slow-rolling change. In each circumstances, scientific and skilled recommendation is given a backseat to security.
The result’s loss of life, property loss and finger-pointing.
Richard Kelty, Santa Barbara
