Ken Richards misses a number of key facts in his review of climate legislation (op-ed, “McCain-Lieberman bill is backward; Bingaman got it right,” March 6). He certainly doesn’t seem to understand the Lieberman-McCain bill which, like several other bills now filed, sets out achievable goals for the short term and long term and provides for a practical market-based approach for reducing emissions. Perhaps his biggest misunderstanding is that Senator Bingaman’s current approach, according to the Energy Information Administration, will let carbon pollution rise by 24 percent by 2030. Scientists tell us we’ve got to cut today’s carbon levels 60 to 80 percent by mid-century to avoid a dangerous global tipping point. We have to actually reduce emissions to do that. Unfortunately, the Bingaman approach just won’t do the job.

Washington, D.C.

Pew Center backs McCain-Lieberman plan

From Katie Mandes, director of communications, Pew Center on Global Climate Change

I would like to clarify that the views expressed in the opinion piece by Ken Richards were those of Mr. Richards and should not in any way be construed as representing the views of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. Although Mr. Richards has in the past conducted research for the Pew Center, his work for the Center focused only on the use of forest and agricultural lands within an overall climate strategy. The Pew Center has consistently supported the approach of Sens. McCain and Lieberman to address the climate issue.

Arlington, Va.

Little Scholars center is safe

From Rachel Mears, president, Library of Congress Child Care Association board (Little Scholars)

As a parent with a child at the Little Scholars child development center and a board member, I read with interest your article, “Library’s Little Scholars center is tested for radon” (March 6). This article is uncharacteristic of the center I’m familiar with and presents misleading information about the events that occurred.

Little Scholars, following procedure in a standard radon test, retested various parts of the building after one sample (of the 33 samples taken) did report a higher-than-desirable level of radon. Subsequent testing revealed an acceptable level of radon. Children were NOT exposed to unsafe levels of radon. Parents WERE informed of the final test results when the results came back, in a letter that assured them the center meets the requirements regarding radon levels. The center will be conducting long-term radon testing to ensure the health and safety of their children and staff and will share information to parents as it becomes available and complete.

As a parent, there is nothing I love more than my children, and I take their care and safety very seriously. I have trusted the staff at Little Scholars for five years and am confident that they, the Architect of the Capitol and the Library of Congress will continue to provide a safe environment for the children, parents and staff.

Cheverly, Md.