For more than 20 years, I served as CEO of the American Lung Association here in Maine. Many people know the organization as a leading advocate in protecting people in Maine from secondhand smoke pollution. But we have also fought for over 40 years to ensure that the air we breathe does not cause or worsen lung disease.

One of the key strategies for accomplishing that goal has been to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency aggressively implements the federal Clean Air Act, authored by Sen. Edmund Muskie and strengthened by Sens. George Mitchell and William Cohen.

Much of Maine’s air pollution is blown in from other states. The Clean Air Act is the only tool we have in Maine to force other states to reduce toxic emissions that make their way into our lungs.

Sen. Susan Collins has continued the legacy of fighting for clean air for Maine through many votes that have supported the EPA’s action. She is now faced with the decision of whether or not to endorse the administration’s candidate for EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt. She needs to vote “no.”

Mr. Pruitt does not believe in the basic mission of the EPA. His belief that states’ rights should prevail in air pollution matters is both misguided and dangerous to those of us in Maine.

I am optimistic that Sen. Collins will vote against Mr. Pruitt and remain consistent with her past support for healthy air for people in Maine.

Edward Miller

Hallowell

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