To the editor:

The assault on the environment and public safeguards by this administration has been unprecedented, and it seems President Bush has forgotten that good health is inextricably connected to a healthy environment. The recent energy bill provides protection from litigation to companies who foul water supplies with MTBE, a known irritant and carcinogen (Archives of Environmental Health, July-August, 1998, by Myron A. Mehlman).

This is another example of valuing money over public safety. Human life depends on safe, clean water. There are many things about this bill that I dislike, but the disregard for public safety at its most basic level — the water we drink and promote to children as the “ultimate health beverage” — is the most appalling. I am thankful that a vote on this bill was defeated — for the moment.

Please make your concerns known to your legislators — your health depends upon it.

Karen Roberts,

Lawrence