To the editor:
There's no denying that in a state as large as California, where our cars drive more than 300 billion miles each year, petroleum is a necessity—even with the growing popularity and affordability of hybrid vehicles. ("Bill McKibben: How to drive a stake through the heart of zombie fossil fuel," Opinion, Jan. 19)
Bill McKibben's call to eliminate oil production shows he is out of touch with American families, who rely on petroleum to affordably get through their day. Granting McKibben's wish would decimate our standard of living.
Nearly 40% of the oil used in California is produced here, under the strictest environmental regulations in the country. Every gallon of oil that isn't produced locally must be imported by rail or by ship, mostly from foreign countries.
Californians should support more local oil production. Not only is it better for our economy to create jobs and generate revenue locally, but we also reduce our carbon footprint by reducing oil imports.
Stuart Waldman, Van Nuys
The writer is president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn.
