LAWMAKERS CONCERNED BY LEPAGE PRIORITY TO WEAKEN ANTI-SMOG REGS

Proposal rolls back decades-long pact to protect Maine environment and health

AUGUSTA—Leaders of the Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) committee released the following statements in response to news that the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking to weaken anti-smog regulations.

The Maine DEP has submitted a proposal that would exempt certain Maine businesses from a 13-state regional effort to control cross-border ozone pollution as part of the federal Clean Air Act.

“As a small business owner, I am very supportive of business, but we should proceed with care. Rolling back protections that keep our air clean and reduce pollution levels in our state and region would move our state in the wrong direction,” said Senator Jim Boyle of Gorham, the Senate chair of the ENR committee. “The fact is, for decades, we have all been in this together fighting the harmful effects of smog—and making our air healthier and breathable. Loosening compliance on smog regulation is harmful to our health and could hurt businesses that rely on Maine tourism.”

Maine, under the pioneering leadership of Senators Ed Muskie and George Mitchell, was a leading proponent of clean air standards, dating back the Clean Air Act of 1970 and its amendment in 1990. In fact, the 1970 amendment is often referred to as the “Muskie Act” because of Muskie’s central role in its drafting.

“Maine has a long history of taking the lead on protecting air quality. We pushed for the formation of this collaborative and in doing so, Maine has leverage with upwind states,” added Boyle. “The regional pact has worked well. Opting out of this collaborative puts us at risk not only for our own air quality but also for the region. How can we ask others to play by the rules if we are not? This is not responsible.”

Other parts of New England, including Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, are currently in compliance with these standards and are not seeking to withdraw from the smog requirements.

“The LePage administration should not be rolling back our efforts to maintain and improve air quality in Maine and in our region,” said Rep. Joan Welsh, D-Rockport, the House Chair of the Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee. “Certainly, this should not be happening without full public review. It’s deeply concerning.”

The DEP provided vague notice on its Web site before closing out public comment on the substantial policy change.

This is the first time an administration has agreed to dismantle the regional agreement reducing cross-border air pollution.

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