PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler says if the city wants clean air, it must create a local air pollution authority and stop waiting for the state to fix the problem.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reports Wheeler Friday became the first local leader to endorse the formation of a regional air pollution district, saying industry influence had undercut state attempts to clean up the air for too long.
Wheeler says he became convinced a local district was needed after reading a story in The Oregonian/OregonLive Friday that revealed the Department of Environmental Quality diluted its plan to crack down on toxic air pollution amid industry pressure.
Wheeler says a local district would have the authority to monitor the air, set enforceable standards and issue penalties.