Environmental Defense Decries Mercury Rule For Lack of Protection

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected tomorrow to finalize the nation’s first rule on mercury pollution.

The following statements can be attributed to Environmental Defense president Fred Krupp.

“The mercury rule allows levels of mercury to increase in the Western U.S., a big step in the wrong direction.  The rule needlessly exposes another generation of children to toxic mercury pollution when cost effective and proven solutions are at hand.” 

“The mercury rule is deeply flawed, allowing mercury levels at individual facilities to increase.  Tomorrow, Environmental Defense will release a report, Mercury on the Horizon, based on EPA’s own methodology and information, that shows that the final rule will allow mercury to increase across the western United States through 2018.”

“All pollutants are not created equal, and what is a good idea for controlling one is a bad idea for others.  There is strong evidence that mercury pollution can deposit close to the source and in local waterways.  Pollution trading programs can cause higher concentrations in areas close to power plants.  It’s a very effective way to deal with smog and acid rain.  But it’s dangerous for toxics like mercury, absent safeguards for the health of all communities.”

“In a complete disregard of the normal scientific process, EPA disbanded its mercury advisory committee and disregarded that group’s analysis.  Had EPA based its proposal on sound science, I am confident the agency could not have substantiated the weak reductions or timing of the mercury rule.” 

“Environmental Defense assesses each rule or law based on its merits.  CAIR deserved strong praise last week, and the mercury rule deserves strong criticism.  It’s deeply flawed.”