GARDINER, Maine (WABI) – During Earth Day, science and public health officials gathered in Gardiner to bring attention to the Trump administrations deregulations on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Speakers from local health and science organizations were brought together by the Natural Resources Council of Maine.
Discussions involved how recent rollbacks on EPA policies have impacted medical centers as well as climate change.
“Removing pollution limits and ignoring the signs of climate change is a medical disaster. I urge the administration to veer course. We need strong federal EPA standards, not a rollback that prioritizes profits over human life,” says Tony Owners, emergency medicine physician at Maine Medical Center
“We rely on federal policy and programs to regulate air quality here in Maine,” says Matthew Wellington, associate director at Maine Public Health Association, “We want to make sure the EPA reaffirms its mission, which should be to protect the health of all people in the country, and to protect the environment.”
Local officials and speakers say recent rollbacks are hurting communities, especially those impacted by extreme weather and flooding.
“The science is clear; it’s been clear for decades. Since the Endangerment Act was put into play in 2009, the science has become even clearer that greenhouse gases change the climate and impact human health and welfare,” says Beverly Johnson, professor of Earth and Climate Sciences at Bates College.
Speakers also pointed to the progress from pollution cleanup on the Kennebec River and local work to improve storm water systems as well as a decline in mercury levels. Gardiner Mayor Patricia Hart empathized that surrounding communities in Maine are not able to fully recover without strong federal policies in place.
“Those of us who work locally feel disconnected from state and federal officials and our elected officials, so it’s important they hear the voice of the people,” says Gardiner Mayor Patricia Hart.
Back in February, the EPA released a statement saying the changes will cut regulations and costs, lower vehicle prices, and restore consumer choice.
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