Ed Begley Jr., interviewed by Dick Russell

Ed Begley Jr. is a television and motion picture actor who starred in the television series St. Elsewhere. Dick Russell is a freelance writer in Boston. In the following viewpoint, excerpted from an interview in E Magazine, Begley describes his commitment to drive electric vehicles, which he asserts do not pollute the air as do fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. Begley maintains that although the major American auto manufacturers are uninterested in promoting electric cars, other companies are building these vehicles and improving electric batteries to increase their mileage range.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What does Begley say caused him to become concerned about the environment?
2. How does Begley recharge his electric vehicle?
3. In Begley’s opinion, why have America’s automakers been reluctant to...