The Environmental Protection Agency has provided a public comment period until June 24 concerning its proposal to reduce the carbon pollution permitted for new power plants.

When I was a child, I remember hazy, smelly summer days when pollution from many sources fouled the air. As a young adult I also recall leaving my apartment for the parking lot to find my car covered with a fine coat of soot. Both of these instances took place in the northeast. Things have changed since the Clean Air Act was enacted so that these experiences are not as common.

Maine is north and east of many coal burning power plants, and the prevailing winds bring with them pollution. Air pollution is one cause of asthma from which many Mainers, including children, suffer. Other respiratory and additional health problems are also attributed to air pollution.

Now would be a good time to contact legislators as well as the EPA in support of this measure to reduce carbon pollution from new power plants. Must we fall back? Let us move forward!

Bronda M. Niese
Woolwich

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