Protect environment

I don’t think anyone can argue that the Trump administration has certainly been active. Every day there seems to be news of some agency, program, or legislation under attack. But as citizens we need to stop being apathetic bystanders and start paying attention to the actions that pose detrimental repercussions for our environment and economy.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt would have us believe that rolling back EPA regulations is necessary for a healthy economy. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We need a healthy environment to ensure a healthy economy. This is why Pruitt’s latest effort—identifying regulations that can be weakened or eliminated—is so shortsighted and dangerous.

We need robust environmental protections because polluters won’t police themselves and Arkansas doesn’t always have the will or the resources to hold polluters accountable. Strong safeguards from EPA and other agencies ensure that companies can’t simply put profits before people—and that there are consequences for polluting.

Common-sense laws protect public health. Contact your representatives to stop Scott Pruitt’s reckless push to weaken vital safeguards. Arkansas needs EPA regulations to remain intact to protect the vitality of the Natural State. Our economic future depends on it.

JESSIE J. GREEN

Little Rock