Fifth Congressional District candidate Angela Zimmann is blasting incumbent U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R., Bowling Green) for his record on the environment.

Ms. Zimmann of Springfield Township is running for the seat as a Democrat.

At a news conference Wednesday morning, she called attention to a recent Los Angeles Times editorial that named Mr. Latta one of the top 10 "most powerful and outspoken opponents of clean air, clean water, conservation, and climate action." The editorial highlighted an amendment offered by Mr. Latta to the TRAIN Act, which environmental groups say is an attack on air-pollution regulations passed by the House this year.

A spokesman for Mr. Latta said the amendment requires the Environmental Protection Agency to consider economic impacts when setting clean air quality standards.

"Ohio's Fifth Congressional District has a rich history in manufacturing and a talented and experienced workforce. … New restrictions that would require downsizing the workforce and discourage new businesses from opening up in the Fifth District should not be set without considering all of the available information," Latta spokesman Isabel Santa said in an email.

Ms. Santa said currently the EPA can consider only public-health issues, not costs, and Mr. Latta's amendment would result in more prudent regulation.

Ms. Zimmann stated, "People of all faiths understand that we are called to be stewards of our resources. When we substitute special-interest politics for sound conservation policy, we put the health of our children in jeopardy and spoil the Earth for future generations,"

The Lutheran church pastor and a professor at Bowling Green State University, added: "There is a way forward that balances out our industrial needs and conservation of the environment. … I know there are ways we can both protect the planet and support American entrepreneurs that wish to help rebuild our economy with alternative energy sources and new technologies.

"It's a win-win possibility -- new jobs for Americans and environmental stewardship that will ensure the welfare of our children and grandchildren. When I am elected, this will be one of my top priorities in the 113th Congress."

First Published December 29, 2011, 5:37 a.m.