Aug. 3, 2025 7 AM PT
To the editor: Can anybody clarify to me the nationwide obsession we, the folks, have with company executives? Why can we continuously anoint them with superlatives regarding their psychological acumen, ethical compass, benevolence, righteousness, and so forth., when there is no such thing as a proof that almost all of them even know the which means of these phrases?
State regulators through the Public Utilities Fee tried to drive the elimination of outdated transmission traces that had not been in use, nor had been probably for use within the close to future (“‘This fire could have been prevented’: How utilities fought removal of old power lines,” Aug. 1). These had been additionally traces that had been recognized to be doubtlessly harmful. Sounds cheap. However amid opposition from utility firms, the PUC allowed these outdated, unused traces to stay up till utility executives determined that they had been to be completely deserted. As soon as once more, appointed representatives in command of overseeing public security selected to kowtow to company executives.
Disgrace on the PUC for not having a backbone. And extra disgrace on company America for as soon as once more placing revenue earlier than public service. I’m certain the company executives of the utility firms will obtain their wage, inventory choices, bonuses and company pensions no matter what number of lives are misplaced. When will the typical citizen of this nation cease this absurd, unsubstantiated perception that almost all massive firm leaders care about something besides their private backside line?
Lee Baresi, Riverside
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To the editor: So Southern California Edison has allegedly recognized that outdated transmission traces might trigger fires for years and lobbied in opposition to being compelled to take away them. As a substitute of permitting costs to be raised for many who put in photo voltaic panels, how about socializing {the electrical} energy system? Make the SCE grid a public utility. The corporate doesn’t should have the environmentally acutely aware pay for his or her greed and failures to do what is true.
Larry Severson, Fountain Valley
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To the editor: The Aug. 1 Los Angeles Instances contains an article about utilities preventing the elimination of outdated energy traces and one other article about early considerations concerning helicopter visitors in Washington, D.C. (“Military chopper traffic over Washington was a worry leading up to fatal midair crash, NTSB hears,” July 31) Aren’t these each mainly about the identical factor: entrenched powers preventing change?
The utility firms don’t need to take away outdated tools most likely due to prices and a slim likelihood of reuse. And the Federal Aviation Administration, Military and Air Pressure have their very own doubtful causes for slow-rolling change. In each circumstances, scientific and professional recommendation is given a backseat to security.
The result’s dying, property loss and finger-pointing.
Richard Kelty, Santa Barbara
