Turning to ethanol
Re: “Filling Bush’s ethanol-fuel tank a task,” Jan. 25 news story.
It’s well-known (by alternative energy cognoscenti) that Brazil now leads the world in energy derived from sugar-based ethanol. Many nations, like Barbados, are even inquiring how to translate their own sugar cane stock (which no longer has the same market value) into energy production instead.
Why not the U.S., too? The U.S. sugar industry continues to harvest cane, now mostly for the production of fructose syrup and other products that promote Type II diabetes- engendering conditions. Why not instead put that sugar cane stock to use as an alternate energy provider? Especially given the fact that the efficiency is significantly higher than that from corn-based ethanol.
If energy infrastructure (for conversion) is the problem, I am sure the Brazilians would be happy to help and give sound advice. We can’t lose by trying – and we need the energy.
Phil Stahl, Colorado Springs
HPV vaccine and rarity of cervical cancer
Re: “Please keep your stance off my daughters,” Jan. 25 David Harsanyi column.
David Harsanyi’s comment that the risk of developing cervical cancer is “minuscule” and leads to only 4,000 deaths a year minimizes the tremendous burden of this disease. The low death rate is a reflection of our successful screening program with Pap smears. The United States spends $5 billion a year on cervical cancer screening. This does not include the additional costs of testing and treatment once precancerous changes or cancer are found, nor the days lost from work for treatment or the emotional cost. It also overlooks other cancers that are related to HPV infection, such as vulvar and anal cancers.
We have the potential to drastically reduce the incidence of cancer with the introduction of the HPV vaccine. To cloak this discussion in the “government forcefeeding parents” debate is an affront to the health and well-being of the public. The state proposal ensures that families receive information and decide for their families whether to vaccinate or not. This decision should be based on the best information available and with more serious reflection than Harsanyi’s column gives to this important public health issue.
Cindy Neal, Grand Junction
The writer is a family nurse practitioner.
The public’s input in Forest Service planning
Re: “More fun, more fire, less money,” Jan. 21 Perspective article.
As the regional forester entrusted with managing the national forests and grasslands of the Rocky Mountain region, I am both in agreement with and concerned about Daniel Berger’s comments.
Mr. Berger writes a strong case for how and why the Forest Service is adapting to meet the changing demands of our customers and the environment. I was taken aback, however, by his comment about the new planning rule of 2005, which appeared in his last paragraph, “the one that now excludes long-term forest plans from public review.”
I am concerned that this statement will confuse the public, our partners and so many others who have been involved, or who want to get involved, with forest planning. For example, the Grand Mesa, Uncompaghre and Gunnison National Forests will release a draft forest plan in the next several weeks under this new rule. In developing the draft, thousands of citizens have already participated in public meetings and workshops, have submitted written and verbal comments and have taken their valuable time to review documents. The Cimarron and Comanche Grasslands are also preparing to release their final management plan under this rule.
Forest and grassland management plans have not been and will not be developed without extensive public involvement. For those who have yet to get involved with future forest plans, I offer a sincere invitation to help us. We want to know what you think.
Rick D. Cables, Regional Forester, U.S. Forest Service
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