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Mercury
Limits Not That Limiting
MIRS, August 10, 2005
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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.
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