Letter: We Need a Representative Who Cares About the Environment

What is it about Republican representatives and the environment?

We live in a politically-charged era, but of all things that shouldn’t be political, a healthy environment surely ranks at the top. Young or old, rich or poor, black or white, urban or rural, we all need clean air and water. Our economy and our future depend on it.

Republican Congressman Tom Marino obviously doesn’t get that — or simply doesn’t care. His votes in Congress prove it. Last year he received a 3 percent rating from the League of Conservation Voters for his votes on environmental issues.

Marino has supported Donald Trump on his deregulatory bender, claiming that environmental protections hurt our economy. But studies prove the opposite is true. The annual report released by Trump’s own White House Office of Management and Budget shows that, even by conservative estimates, the benefits of environmental regulations demonstrably outweighed the costs.

It’s unacceptable that Marino, elected to represent our interests, would be making such wrong-headed environmental decisions. It’s time to vote him out.

Marc Friedenberg supports environmental protections that ensure clean air and water that all of us need and deserve. He knows that regions with the greatest pollution also have the highest poverty, weakest economy and worst public health.

We live in a beautiful area. Tom Marino, through his votes that give polluters a free hand, is willing to give that all away. Marc Friedenberg will fight to keep a livable environment for all of us…now and in the future.

Ed Satalia
State College