sions vehicle" (ZEV) except perhaps in the legalistic minds of bureaucrats at EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). I know, because like all engineers and scientists I studied the conservation of mass and the second law of thermodynamics before I was allowed to graduate. As a chemical engineer who has specialized in combustionrelated emissions for many years, I can unreservedly assure all that it is impossible to even manufacture a vehicle without generating emissions, let alone operate one. What we can do is minimize emissions and maximize the benefits of personal and public transportation. It dismays me to read ("Currents," July 1994, p. 308A) that CARB wants "2% of all cars offered for sale to be emissions-free" and to see electric vehicles referred to as ZEVs. In fact, electric vehicles can generate electric-field exposures that are orders of magnitude greater than overhead power lines. And the only nearterm storage technology for personal vehicles is the lead-sulfuric acid battery. Emissions free? Hardly. Considering the entire electric generation and use cycle, compressed natural gas vehicles have lower emissions than so-called ZEVs. Electric vehicles certainly have their niche in the transportation market. However, CARB's insistence on force-feeding the free market will be counterproductive. It will not take many accidents releasing lead and sulfuric acid onto crash victims to tarnish the image of electric autos. That would be a shame with the promise of so many novel batteries and systems now coming to fruition. ES&T has a responsibility to its audience to qualify imaginary terms such as "emissions-free," and the government has a responsibility to stop duping the public into believing the myth of zero emissions in order to justify their intrusion against free enterprise. IOSEPH COLANNINO Colannino Consultants Oceanside, CA 92056 Readers are encouraged to comment on articles and research papers published in ES&T and on other issues facing the environmental community. Contributions are limited to 500 words. Send contributions to the Managing Editor within two months of the date of publication of the original article. Submissions are subject to editing for clarity and length.
Announcing...
Third International In Situ and On-Site Bioreclamation Symposium April 24-27,1995 San Diego, California Plan now to join colleagues from around the world in this open forum of 600 platform and poster presentations, integrating the latest research results with field experiences in the full spectrum of bioremediation technologies. For program, exhibit, and registration information, call 800: 783-6338 (USA and Canada) or 614-424-5461 or fax 614-488-5747. Sponsored by
Battelle Putting Technology To Work
Co-sponsors OHM KruirUiatiim S e n ires Corp.
CROCNOWWER TECHNOLOGY. US. Department of Energy \ Office of Environmental Restoration f and Waste Management Office of Technology Development
Environmental PROTECTION
The Japan Research Institute, Limited
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