EPA Targets Mercury.(from coal-fired electricity generating plants)(Brief Article)

Chemical Week, January, 2001

EPA has announced plans to limit mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, a move that could raise electricity costs for high volume users including chemical plants. The agency says it intends to cut mercury levels 50% from 1990 levels, with hopes of stemming "significant" hazards to public health and the environment.

The Edison Electric Institute (Washington), an association of investor-owned utilities, supports the overall plan but warns that the 50%-cut is not supported by scientific evidence. EPA says it will not propose its reduction strategy until 2003.