Portland Poised to Become 7th Maine City Calling For Stronger Air Pollution Standard

City Council voting on resolution supporting federal carbon, ozone, and climate change interventions

(PORTLAND)  Maine’s Congressional delegation will be returning to Washington today after a week at home meeting with constituents.  They may be carrying one more message from Maine people if the Portland City Council passes their “Healthy Air Resolution” at tonight’s Council meeting.

The resolution, introduced by Mayor Brennan, Councilor Marshall, and Councilor Hinck, states Portland’s support for the federal Clean Power Plan to reduce carbon pollution, stronger federal ozone standards, and all national, state, and community efforts to address the root causes of climate change and ensure healthy air for Maine families and businesses.

If passed, Portland would be the 7^th Maine city to pass similar resolutions, joining Bangor, Waterville, Augusta, Hallowell, Lewiston, and South Portland.  According to 2010 U.S. Census data, these seven cities are home to over 198,000 Mainers.

As Congress reconvenes following their February recess, they will be grappling with dozens of contentious issues, including direct and indirect threats to the Clean Air Act and the framework it provides for establishing science-based standards, monitoring air quality, and enforcing the rules that make the nation’s air healthier to breathe.

According to the American Lung Association’s 2014 State of the Air Report, Cumberland County received a grade of “C” for ozone pollution while York and Hancock Counties both received a grade of “D”.

“We are thrilled that Portland is considering this resolution, which would send such an important message to Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree and Poliquin,” said Effie Craven, Healthy Air Coordinator for the American Lung Association.  “Maine is the nation’s tailpipe.  We have one of the highest asthma rates in the nation and there is no question we are already feeling the health and economic impacts of climate change.  We need our representatives in Washington to do absolutely everything in their power to clean up the air, defend the Clean Air Act, and fight the root causes of climate change.”

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