Three hundred thirty United States coal plants have, thankfully, closed, with more to come.  Mainers should celebrate that, as pollution from burning coal has worsened lung diseases here for decades. 

But using a law called the Defense Production Act, President Trump and his Energy Department have just repurposed the money Congress originally passed to clean up dirty air from industry. Instead they want to build two new coal plants for $350 million. And, $425 million more will go to refurbish old ones.

Coal is the dirtiest fossil fuel. We must stop burning it, and increase production of renewable energy fast.

Rejuvenating the coal industry is terrible policy. Funding that effort with money intended to clean up our emissions is a theft of taxpayer money. Voters, and those who represent us in Washington, D.C., should howl. 

Let Sens. Collins and King and our representatives know we oppose this latest damaging move of the Trump administration.

Sam Saltonstall
Brunswick