As a person diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, I am concerned with all efforts to protect air quality. I am grateful to live in South Portland because the citizens and the city have repeatedly and proactively taken action to protect the health and safety of all members of our community. The most recent focus has been on the issue of tank emissions.

South Portland has spent countless hours gathering information, examining problems and researching effective responses. As a citizen, I have (virtually) attended many meetings. I appreciate all the amazing work done by the City Council, the Clean Air Advisory Committee and Protect South Portland.

Sadly, this effort comes too late for many families in South Portland. They have already experienced overwhelming health consequences and financial burdens.

On the other hand, corporations seem focused on profit, without regard to human health. When asked for information, they have offered minimal (misleading?) data. When asked to provide effective monitoring, they balk at the cost. It is time that corporations pay in full to do all that is necessary to ameliorate their impact on air quality.

I understand that the state is considering legislation that will more closely regulate tank emissions. I hope they will take advantage of all the information already gathered by the hard work of so many in South Portland. I expect the state to put human health ahead of profits and hold corporations responsible for their actions.

If it were up to me, I would also expect corporations to compensate those people who have already suffered so much.

Louise Tate
South Portland

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