I believe strongly in protecting our environment and public health. As a former Portland city manager, I know firsthand how important clean air is to economic growth and the vitality of a city.

I appreciate the action that our own Sen. Susan Collins has taken thus far to acknowledge the issue of climate change, which affects every resident of Maine, the U.S. and the world.

Several weeks ago, Sen. Collins voted in favor of an amendment put forth by Sen. Bemie Sanders that acknowledges the threat of climate change and humans’ significant contribution to it, plus the need for government action to address it.

Voting in favor of Sanders’ amendment is a great step in the fight against climate change, but the work doesn’t stop there. Sen. Collins and her colleagues also need to support the Clean Power Plan, a common-sense policy that sets the first-ever federal limits on currently unrestricted carbon pollution from existing power plants.

I look forward to seeing broad support for this vital public health and environmental safeguard so that we can retain our quality of life here in Maine, which is a gift meant to be protected and shared.

Joe Gray

former city manager

Portland

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