PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 12, 2025
As a naturopathic doctor in South Portland, I have worked for more than a decade with the community to protect public health. In 2013, we fought a tar sands terminal. That victory — the Clear Skies Ordinance —was about safeguarding generations from known carcinogens like benzene and neurotoxins like ethylbenzene and xylene. Our community spoke clearly again when we demanded fenceline monitoring after three EPA lawsuits against tank farms’ alarming emissions violations. As we did with tar sands and fenceline monitoring, we must now insist on proper buffers between industry and homes. On June 12, I urge the council to honor our community’s legacy of protection and request a much more precautionary comprehensive plan. ~ Priscilla Skerry, ND, South Portland