The Environmental Protection Agency, under the new leadership of Scott Pruitt, is beginning the process of reviewing many rules and regulations created to curb air pollution. Via an executive order signed in March, the federal government seeks to “alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens place on the American people” by these regulations.

There are agencies that can get so wrapped up in a given mission that those making regulations can’t see the impracticalities of their law. Regulations that go beyond what is necessary — in good faith — but unnecessary. Many claim the EPA is just such an agency and has hampered corporations’ practices to the extent that it affects the ability to do business.

Many more say those regulations are necessary to prevent pollution of air North Carolinians breathe, the drinking water and the environment.

As with all good government, the EPA is asking for the public’s input via a posting on regulations.gov. In 11 days, more than 11,000 have commented. That’s a lot of people. However, it’s a tiny fraction of the people who should comment.

Ask those who live in the vicinity of the Duke Energy coal ash ponds, the sludge of which seeped into the earth and water making their drinking/bathing water undrinkable/unbathable — ask those North Carolinians if the regulations to keep the coal ash contained, and in place to prevent precisely that, were necessary. The executive order seeks to eliminate regulations of the coal industry.

Ask those who live or fish or work along Blounts Creek in Beaufort County whether they believe the state made a mistake in issuing a permit to a mining company in southern Beaufort County, the practices of which, scientists say, would change the ecology, the species that thrive there and the creek from a saltwater species nursery (as designated by the state) to something else, properties unknown until it happens. For that matter, ask anyone who’s concerned about the increased flooding this region has seen, at least partially due to sea-level rise. This executive order eliminates federal agencies’ consideration of climate change in decision making.

People care about clean air — the ability to breathe freely and not have to worry if it’s safe to breathe. People care about clean water — the knowledge that their children won’t be poisoned by aging infrastructure or pollution in the river where they swim. People care about these things — yes, the environment — regardless of where they are on the political spectrum.

This issue affects every American, every North Carolinian, every Beaufort County resident. And the EPA is asking for comment from any and every American, North Carolinian and Beaufort County resident. Perhaps now is the time to weigh in at www.regulations.gov by following the “Evaluation of Existing Regulations” link on the site’s homepage.

Comments must be received on or before May 15.