The
Solution
STRONGER CLEAN AIR PROTECTIONS...
Critical steps to reduce the use and release of mercury into our air should
be taken immediately. By setting strict emission standards from power plants,
and requiring the development and use of alternatives to major polluting practices
such as waste incineration, we can help decrease mercury emissions.
U.S. PIRG IS WORKING ON PROTECTIONS LIKE...
ENSURING FAITHFUL
ENFORCEMENT OF THE CLEAN AIR ACT
On December 30, the EPA's weak proposal to reduce the danger posed
by mercury from power plants was released. Instead of protecting mothers and
children from mercury poisoning, this proposal protects the energy industry
by setting targets so weak that the industry will be allowed to continue polluting
without using state of the art mercury controls.
On January 30, a 60 day public comment period started, giving the public the
chance to officially weigh in on this proposal. This is our best chance yet
to show the Bush administration that they should act without further delay to
cut mercury emissions from power plants by 90 percent by 2008.
ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH TRACKING...
Additionally, the U.S. lacks a comprehensive program to track disease and exposure to environmental contaminants like mercury. The development of an environmental health-tracking network would provide a wealth of information to health care providers and health officials working to protect public health.This system would give us the tools to respond to and prevent chronic disease and to research and avert environmental threats to public health.
THE GULF RESTORATION NETWORK
ADVOCATES...
Comprehensive
testing of all commercially sold Gulf fish and the issuance of federal consumption
advisories. We are also strengthening our relationships with the Gulf fishing
industry to eventually work to reducing mercury discharges into the Gulf in
the upcoming years.
STRONGER CLEAN
AIR SOLUTIONS…
Critical steps to reduce the use and release of mercury into our air should be taken immediately. By setting strict emission standards from old chlorine plants and coal-fired power plants we can reduce the amount of mercury in our seafood.
The
Gulf Restoration Network (GRN) is a diverse coalition of 50 environmental
and community groups committed to uniting and empowering people to protect and
restore the environmental resources of the Gulf. The GRN is advocating for Governor
Blanco to press the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to ensure
that their Mercury Initiative Action Plan will quickly limit mercury emissions
from Louisiana’s most significant sources, old chlorine plants and coal-fired
power plants.
U.S.
Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) advocates for the public interest—addressing
real problems, pushing for tough reforms and solutions, and getting concrete
results. U.S. PIRG has long been a national leader in efforts to limit mercury
contamination caused by power plant pollution.