I was disappointed to learn that Quincy Hentzel, head of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, is against proposed new rules to more closely monitor hazardous air emissions from petroleum storage tanks in South Portland (“Proposed rules call for closer monitoring of petroleum tank air emissions,” Feb. 9).
In my view, petroleum companies’ unquenchable thirst for profits is less important than the health of our neighborhoods. South Portland City Manager Scott Morelli gave alarming testimony: “Currently, we are unable to say whether the air in South Portland is or is not safe to breathe.” Morelli’s warning should be a rallying cry for additional environmental testing in South Portland and having those results made public without delay.
It’s my sincere hope a coalition of our neighbors and teachers, our community and faith-based leaders, as well as organizations like Maine Audubon and Maine Conservation Voters, will demand the testing and transparency we all deserve. Everyone in Greater Portland should know if the air we’re breathing is safe. I believe that takes priority over commerce.
Aaron Bergeron
Portland
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