To the editor: gas is great when cooking. But if we are to save the planet from the disastrous effects of climate change, we must move away from carbon fuels, including gas appliances in our homes. (“Clash of the kitchens: California leads on a new climate battlefield”, December 16)
The way to do this is not through government regulations, regulations and bans on natural gas pipelines. The way to do this is to price carbon fuels to reflect the costs to society and the environment from burning them. Fixing prices for CO2 fuels would make electrical appliances financially more attractive.
An induction cooker is unaffordable for many households. A price for CO2 would create demand, increase competition and lower prices. It would also lead to new technologies and options.
A price for CO2 would bring the changes we need. Rules, prohibitions and regulations only make people mad at the government.
Murray Zichlinsky, Long Beach
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To the editor: Nowhere in the article I saw the topic of increased energy costs for consumers if natural gas is phased out in favor of electricity.
My little house has a gas stove, gas water heater, gas dryer, and gas stove. I don’t have air conditioning, so the electricity powers lights and other devices. My monthly gas bill averages half my monthly electricity bill.
Then of course there is the increased cost of the new fancy devices that are built into new builds and converted homes, which increases construction costs and increases sales and rental prices. At the same time, the incentives for solar systems on roofs will be reduced, and energy suppliers will soon be charging their solar customers more.
Air quality will of course benefit, but power companies should expect a gold mine.
Alexa Smith Maxwell, Los Angeles
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To the editor: In an earthquake area, it is really not a good idea to have just one source of energy.
After the 1994 earthquake, there was no electricity in my block in Reseda for five days. The life-savers were the gas stove and oven; at least we were able to prepare something to eat while candles lit the dining table.
Brigitte Rose, Reseda
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