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Exposing the
green and specious argument against SUVs
Letter to the Editor
Copyright 1999 Washington Times
December 3, 1999
It is most unfortunate that Sally Greenberg
doesn't do better research before launching attacks on sport utility vehicles (SUVs),
especially since she represents Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports
("Sport utility vehicles are a menace to the environment," Letters,
Nov. 28).
I challenge her assertions that SUVs are responsible for an increase in highway
accidents. The problem is not with the vehicle, but with the operator of that
vehicle.
If Miss Greenberg is so concerned about large vehicles causing accidents, then
why doesn't she propose banning all heavy commercial trucks from the nation's
roads? I prefer my SUV to my more fuel-efficient compact car for the simple
reason that I have better crash protection from large trucks.
Miss Greenberg also blames SUVs for adding to "global warming." Global
warming is a totally unproven theory, despite what Vice President Al Gore and
the environmentalist lobby claim.
In addition, during every major snowstorm in the Washington metropolitan area,
people with four-wheel drive vehicles have been called upon to help get doctors
and nurses to hospitals and assist in other public service areas. Nevertheless,
environmentalists would eliminate such vehicles, causing more real problems than
the fictional ones they would solve.
I recently took both of my vehicles to the Maryland Emissions Inspection Station
for the required biennial checks. One is a 1987 Honda Civic hatchback, which
gets about 40 mpg, and the other is a 1995 Ford Explorer, which gets about 20
mpg (far better than the 13 claimed by Miss Greenberg).
The SUV performed better on the vehicle emissions inspection program's tests
than did the Civic. My SUV also was designed to be driven on paved roads,
contrary to Miss Greenberg's statements.
The bottom line in the SUV debate is that the Chicken Little environmentalists
are not really as interested in "saving the planet" as they are in
controlling individual lives in the name of mother nature. It's time their false
claims and self-righteous attitudes are exposed for what they are - hypocrisy of
the highest degree.
J.S. ELY
Waldorf, Md.
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