Your June 3 editorial, “Tough EPA rules would help Maine air, businesses,” states that the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed climate change rule requires carbon dioxide emissions from nationwide fossil fuel burning power plants be reduced 30 percent by 2030.

Please note, however, the proposal specifies the 30 percent decrease is to be applied against 2005 carbon dioxide emission levels, which amounts to only a 17 percent reduction in current carbon dioxide plant emissions.

For many reasons, the proposed emission limits will have little effect on overall atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and the slowing down of global warming. In fact, the proposal states further that in 2030 “coal and natural gas would remain the two leading sources of electricity generation in the U.S.” Apparently, the plan is for continued large-scale use of fossil fuels for electricity, even though we should be rapidly discontinuing use of these high producers of greenhouse gases.

The carbon dioxide level in the air is now higher than 400 parts per million (ppm). Ice core measurements show carbon dioxide levels about 280 ppm in the early 1800s. Since then, with the industrial age and continual increase in use of coal, oil, and gas, carbon dioxide has risen to today’s high level, with temperatures increasing accordingly.

Maine is already seeing early consequences of climate change in recurring ice storms, depletion of Maine shrimp, exploding tick populations, survival of invasive species. Carbon dioxide emissions must be cut back significantly worldwide, and technologies must be developed to remove carbon dioxide from the air (since vegetation is not removing it fast enough). Hopefully, by lowering the carbon dioxide level, the global warming will slow down.

This rule is not tough enough. I urge your readers to submit comments to the EPA during the public comment period and demand stiffer requirements.

Lindy Moceus, Vienna