Marcia Hayward: Trump's environmental proposal is downright dangerous

To The Daily Sun,

New Hampshire is a state that relies on tourism as a major source of revenue.

Its website contains pictures of lakes with pristine blue waters and clear skies.

Numerous outdoor activities such as boating, camping and hiking are listed. 

How is New Hampshire going to maintain its natural beauty with the rollback of environmental standards?

The EPA under the Trump administration proposed rescinding the 2009 Endangerment Finding, that forms the basis for many climate regulations on greenhouse gas emissions from cars, power plants and other sources of industrial pollution. Without this Endangerment Finding, the EPA is powerless to regulate emissions from fossil fuels.

Why should we care about clean air? From a health perspective, respiratory and cardiovascular problems are reduced, life expectancy increases, and health care costs are reduced. Clean air creates new market opportunities which spurs economic growth. Clean water needs clean air. Fewer pollutants will be deposited into water bodies. Agriculture relies on clean water. NH tourism relies on clean water.

President Donald Trump, in some regards, likes to give power back to the states to make their own decisions. How is a patchwork of state regulations going to be effective? Does Trump not watch weather reports and see that air travels across the country? Can Trump read a map and see that water crosses state boundaries? Allowing individual states to develop their own standards will negatively impact New Hampshire. The Trump administration’s proposal is downright dangerous. Once restrictions are lifted, it will not be easy to undo the damage. 

It is my hope that everyone reading this letter conducts their own research using multiple sources. I believe he/she will understand that Trump’s proposal needs a "no" from its citizens. Take action. Contact local, state and federal representatives imploring them to fight against this proposal.

Marcia Hayward

Laconia