Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, including its own studies, the Environmental Protection Agency refused on Sept. 22 to require big power companies to remove dangerous soot particles from the air. Unlike other health hazards, people can’t avoid exposure to dirty air – especially tiny soot particles.

EPA’s study showed 30,000 people could face premature death without reductions in soot pollution. Yet that was insufficient to spur the Bush administration’s EPA to stand up to powerful industry lobbyists and require readily available, cost-effective pollution control technologies are installed to reduce soot pollution. The EPA has made it clear that industry profits, not public health protection, are its top priority.

In Maine, we’ve got enough air pollution problems to worry about without yet another example of the EPA shirking its responsibility to protect our people. I hope Maine’s congressional delegation will take the lead to hold EPA accountable.

Message to EPA: It’s time to enforce the Clean Air Act and protect our citizens.

Bigger message to the administration and Congress: It’s time to use America’s technological know-how to build a stronger economy by leading the world in the creation of new, clean energy technology. Investing in new technology and clean energy like solar, wind, and biofuels will reinvigorate the American economy and create jobs for the future.

This is a moment for America to move forward – to better control our own energy future and lead the world economy.

Matt Prindiville, federal issues policy advocate, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Augusta