Readers Write: In response to “Where did American measurements go?”

The Declaration of Policy in 15 U.S. Code § 205b states: “It is therefore the declared policy of the United States — 

1. to designate the metric system of measurement as the preferred system of weights and measures for United States trade and commerce;
2. to require that each federal agency, by a date certain and to the extent economically feasible by the end of the fiscal year 1992, use the metric system of measurement in its procurements, grants, and other business-related activities, except to the extent that such use is impractical or is likely to cause significant inefficiencies or loss of markets to United States firms, such as when foreign competitors are producing competing products in non-metric units;
3. to seek out ways to increase understanding of themetric system of measurement through educational information and guidance and in government publications; and
4. to permit the continued use of traditional systems of weights and measures in non-business activities.

(Pub. L. 94–168, § 3, Dec. 23, 1975, 89 Stat. 1007; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5164(b), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1452.)”

Marty Markson

Great Neck