In response to your article dated Nov. 30 ("WM reaches $1million settlement with California Air Resources Board"), I'd like to say that I am in agreement with your facts and viewpoint.

With Waste Management being the nation's largest trash hauler, there truly is no valid reason why they should be in violations of such a great measure.

While local area disasters such as wildfires and heavy Santa Ana winds have really caused our air quality to drop below a healthy level, large companies such as Waste Management should all the more be held accountable to prove they are not causing greater damage to it.

Their lack of compliance to adhere to the state's regulations is a direct indication to our community that their business growth is more important than our well-being. If it is just a lack of the company's record-keeping that is to blame here, then this really should be an easy fix for Waste Management.

Although $1 million is a large fine to have to pay for their lack of good record-keeping, it really is a small price to pay to ensure their vehicles are not contributing to less than average air quality.

Unfortunately, with a settlement of this size, I'm sure we will all be seeing a rise in their current rates. Jacob Benavente Simi Vallley