It is no wonder that Illinois is having a difficult time convincing area businesses of the merits of the new employee trip-reduction law as a means of combating ozone pollution (Jan. 7). Perhaps if the state would learn to lead by example, it would have an easier sales job.
One of the major goals of the new law is to promote greater usage of public transit. But ironically the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency-the state agency responsible for safeguarding the state’s environment-has opted to locate its Chicago regional office in a western suburb which is completely inaccessible by public transportation. Thus, not only are EPA employees forced to make lengthy commutes, to the detriment of the environment; so, too, are members of the public wishing to transact business with the EPA.
Would it be asking too much for the state to announce its plans for reducing its employees’ driving mileage before it requires private industry to do so?
