You Can Help Stop Toxic Mercury Emissions Before it's Too Late!

[Guest guest]

http://mercola.com/2004/mar/17/mercury_emissions.htm

You Can Help Stop Toxic Mercury Emissions Before it's Too Late!

Coal-fired power plants are the largest source of mercury emissions in

the country and are a major reason why many of the nation's fish are

too toxic to eat.

Under court order, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has

proposed a set of rules to regulate mercury emissions from the 1,100

to 1,200 U.S. coal-fired power plants, but the proposed rules are even

less strict than the federal Clean Air Act.

While The Clean Air Act calls for a 90 percent to 95 percent reduction

in mercury emissions by 2007, the new rules propose a target of a 29

percent reduction by 2007 and an industry-wide reduction of 70 percent

by 2018. Further, the proposed rules do not regulate the emissions as

a hazardous air pollutant, despite the known toxic effects of mercury

emissions, and experts agree the rules do not protect the people, fish

or environment.

In addition to mercury, which can cause numerous health problems in

humans, including damage to the central nervous system and

neurological and developmental problems, coal-fired plants emit four

additional pollutants: sulfur dioxide, the leading cause of acid rain;

nitrogen oxides, which contribute to smog-forming ground-level ozone;

carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas implicated in global warming; and

lung-damaging soot particles, known as " fly ash. "

Perhaps the worst part of the proposed rules is that technology exists

to reduce mercury emissions by 90 percent. But under the proposed

regulations, coal-fired power plants will not be required to use the

technology. Further, the rules actually " allow the biggest polluters

to essentially buy pollution credits from companies that emit less

mercury than allowed in a system called `cap and trade'. "

Many say that the environmental regulations are being heavily

influenced by the electrical power industry, which argues that it will

be impossible to meet the 90 percent mercury deadline by 2007.

The Washington Post March 15, 2004

The Bozeman Chronicle March 13, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

In Montana, which has vast amounts of mostly poor-quality coal, seven

new coal-fired power plants are proposed. Under the proposed rules,

these plants would be basically unregulated and threaten to destroy

the environmental quality of Montana and surrounding states. But if we

continue to burn this coal in this unregulated manner, it will

contaminate the WHOLE planet, not just Montana.

Coal-fired utility plants are already releasing 48 TONS, or 80,000

pounds, of mercury a year into the air. Where do you think this

mercury winds up? Much of it goes into the water system and now even

pristine lakes in the mountains, far removed from society, are

contaminated with mercury as a result of the winds, which blow this

mercury around.

But there is a way that we can make a difference and stop this corrupt

process. It is up to the public to voice their opinion about the lack

of environmental and human concern in the new mercury emissions

regulations. The EPA will accept public comment on the mercury

regulations until March 30th. Comments can be sent to

A-and-R-Docket@.... I urge you to write in and tell the EPA that

these proposed regulations are irresponsible and unacceptable.

This is a rare opportunity and one that WILL make a huge difference

for everyone because these mercury emissions are threatening the air,

water and fish that our children and future generations will depend on

for survival.

Again, PLEASE take the time to let your opinion be heard. We CAN

change these regulations and protect our health and the environment

before it's too late, but we have to act now! The EPA is only

accepting comments until March 30th. If these regulations pass our

environment and health will be further threatened. Send your comments

to A-and-R-Docket@... now. This is one of the most important

things you can do to protect the entire planet and stop the

unnecessary release of toxic chemicals into our environment.

Tell the EPA that you want stricter regulations to stop mercury

emissions from coal-fired power plants! Write A-and-R-Docket@... now!