Cheney on Energy

* Vice President Cheney’s statement that the Bush administration’s energy policy “will emphasize increased production over conservation” (May 1) is an insult to the intelligence of the American people. Americans have made a clear statement that the environment is one of their chief concerns. But more production only serves to promote more consumption, which will cause more pollution and more damage to the environment.

The American people will gain little if anything from an expansion of the country’s oil, coal and natural gas industries. The ones who really gain are the big shareholders in the these industries--the industries that made President Bush and Cheney and all their friends very, very rich men and propelled them into the White House.

MARK KASWAN

Sherman Oaks

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Re Times Poll, April 30: A majority attributes global warming to human activities like driving; a majority supports reducing emissions regardless of cost. Yet a majority has made the gas-guzzling SUV the most popular vehicle on the road. And I’m supposed to believe there is a broad public mandate for environmentalism? Yeah, right. The only thing this poll proves is that a majority will pay lip service to the environment, especially when the pollster asks leading questions.

Personally I think the Bush administration is trying to restore some balance to these environmental issues, as opposed to those who think it is more important to leave frozen tundra untouched than to provide affordable heat and energy to the poor, fixed-income elderly and working families just scraping by. They, not the affluent, are the ones most hurt by rising energy costs. Maybe that’s what “compassionate conservative” means.

BOB DIEHL

Woodland Hills

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It’s fair to say Bush and Cheney aren’t pursuing a political agenda with their energy and environmental policies. Clearly this administration intends to remain in office only four years and is moving forward without regard for its political future. Having torched his reelection chances, Bush will be remembered for going out in a blaze of glory, like an oil gusher burning uncontrollably.

ROB SCHMIDT

Culver City