Bridges4Kids Logo

 
About Us Breaking News Find Help in Michigan Find Help in the USA Find Help in Canada Inspiration
IEP Goals Help4Parents Disability Info Homeschooling College/Financial Aid Summer Camp
IEP Topics Help4Teachers Homework Help Charter/Private Insurance Nutrition
Ask the Attorney Become an Advocate Children "At-Risk" Bullying Legal Research Lead Poisoning
 
Bridges4Kids is now on Facebook. Follow us today!
 

 

Article of Interest - Mercury

Printer-friendly Version

Bridges4Kids Logo

Mercury Limits Not That Limiting
MIRS, August 10, 2005
For more articles like this visit https://www.bridges4kids.org

 

Michigan and 14 other states are challenging a federal rule designed to protect citizens from mercury emissions.

The largest source of Mercury in the U.S. is coal-fired power plants. The rule gives each state a pollution limit and requires power plants to put caps on the amount of emissions they release. However, power plants exceeding their cap can purchase pollution credits from plants falling below the allowable mercury level, which essentially defeats the purpose of the rule, according to a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) press release.

“The federal rule falls far short of the measures needed to protect human health and the environment,” said Steven CHESTER, DEQ director. “Regional reductions are needed to protect Michigan's citizens and our water bodies from mercury pollution.”

The federal rule calls for a 21 percent reduction in overall mercury emissions by 2010, and in certain cases, allows states to increase their emissions, according to the release. Michigan power plants would have to reduce mercury emissions by 66 percent by 2018. The DEQ said this is a “soft cap” because it allows utilities to emit excess mercury beyond 2020.

Mercury from power plants settles in waterways and contaminates fish. It can cause neurological and developmental problems. The Michigan Department of Community Health has a special health advisory for all inland lakes warning citizens about mercury contamination.

Michigan has filed a motion to intervene with the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., asking to join the other states seeking a review of the EPA plan. Other states challenging the rule include Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New York, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, New Jersey, New Mexico and California.

Chester is reviewing a Mercury Electric Utility Workgroup report recommending mercury reduction from coal-fired plants. Chester plans to share the details of his findings with Gov. Jennifer Granholm shortly.

     

back to the top     ~     back to Breaking News     ~     back to What's New

 

Thank you for visiting https://www.bridges4kids.org/.
 

bridges4kids does not necessarily agree with the content or subject matter of all articles nor do we endorse any specific argument.  Direct any comments on articles to deb@bridges4kids.org.

© 2002-2021 Bridges4Kids

 

NOTE: (ALL RESOURCES PRE-IDEA 2004 ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL/HISTORICAL RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY)