Voice your support for stronger rules on air pollution from power plants
After years of delays and court orders the EPA is making a strong stand for public health and wildlife, proposing new rules that would require large polluters to stop emitting mercury, arsenic, dioxins, and other air toxics from their smokestacks.
Many of these pollutants, especially mercury, end up in rivers and lakes where they pollute water and build up in fish and other animals. In Illinois, the state advises people to not eat too much of several types of locally-caught fish because of harmful amounts of mercury in them.
EPA’s proposed rule will reduce releases of mercury to the air by 91%. Now, it is up to us to demonstrate powerful public demand over the next few months to keep the rule strong against industry attacks. EPA is accepting public comments now and will finalize their rule by November 2011.
Next week, EPA will hold a hearing in Chicago for members of the public to give their input on the proposed rule. The hearing will be held on May 24, 2011 from 9 am-8pm at the Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro, 799 W. Madison St. If you would like to speak at the hearing, you can pre-register by May 19th (contact Ms. Pamela Garrett, telephone 919-541-7966 or email garrett.pamela@epa.gov), or sign up to speak when you get there.
If you can’t attend the hearing, you can submit written comments through July 5, 2011.
Details about the proposed rule, the hearing, and how to submit written comments are all here.
