PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • April 30, 2020
Public health researchers have found that even a small increase in air particle pollution can increase the coronavirus death rate by as much as 15 percent. This becomes relevant for us in South Portland, one of Maine’s most densely populated cities, carefully following safe distancing while surrounded by 120 polluting oil tanks. It is very troubling that the president has grabbed the opportunity to create more chaos by allowing the EPA to eviscerate restrictions on air pollution. But surely because of home rule the EPA does not have the last word when it comes to Maine. It is incomprehensible that at this time, Global Partners is seeking authorization to quadruple their annual throughput. ~ Rachel Burger, South Portland