Letter was wrong on NASA climate stance

I'd like to correct what was printed in the July 5 Fencepost letter from Wayne Oras Sr. of Schaumburg - "NASA recently stated that man has no effect on the climate. Sun spot activities are to blame for weather changes." What NASA is really saying is "The connection between solar activity and terrestrial climate is an area of ongoing research."

The real NASA statement was included in the Solar Physics - The Sunspot Cycle 7/1/09 NASA Web site article. No respected scientific organization is going to make a conclusive statement like what was included in the Mr. Oras Sr. letter.

Mr. Oras Sr. also stretches credibility when he states the cap and trade will cause a 50 percent to 100 percent rise in utility bills. This is an estimate most likely based on published estimates of potential cap and trade energy costs in 2035. If cap and trade works to cut pollution-related health costs and protection of foreign oil producer costs, the taxpayer will be well ahead overall.

At some point carbon-based fuel resources will be depleted. If we continue to burn them up at the current rate, that day will come sooner than we think. I prefer an energy program based on strong science and good planning. The more we work together to promote the best ideas, the better off our children will be.

Steve White

Buffalo Grove, IL