Dear Editor:

The potential gutting of EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency, threatens us all. EPA is a major voice for environmental quality. It's our responsibility to pass onto future generations the healthiest possible environment and earth. What greater gift can we give to future generations?

It's long been my view though that we need to balance environmental quality and our human condition, taking great care to serve both as well as possible. To achieve this we need the voice and regulations of the EPA to balance the often powerful voices of industry and big business. Curtailing the efforts of EPA tips that balance and can deprive our children and grandchildren of their birthright to a clean and healthy environment.

Achieving a healthy balance between environment and economy is no easy task. Wherever environmental regulations impose overly draconian restrictions on people and the economy they need reexamination for possible amendment and rollback. Mainers need have good living-wage jobs. We need our economic sectors, various business and professions to prosper. We need to create more employment opportunities to keep our children from having to leave the state to seek good jobs. These are also is a vital parts of our Maine health.

Let’s come together to discuss what is best, being always cognizant that our environment must sustain our long-term economy and shorter term needs of workers as well as precious Maine environmental birthrights.

Becoming involved and speaking out as EPA undergoes potentially major restrictions is a good beginning.

Jerry Topinka

Boothbay Harbor