I am writing in response to the Clear Skies Ordinance enacted in the city of South Portland. While I am a supporter of clean air emissions controls, I feel this ordinance has far-reaching implications.

If oil were to flow from west to east – in this case, Canadian oil shipped from Maine to Texas – it would be required to travel in U.S.-flagged tankers as per the Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1936).

Tanker traffic to the Portland Pipe Line has been in decline, since Canada will become a net exporter of oil.

This ordinance will prevent the creation of jobs for U.S. citizens.

John O’Brien

South Portland