States call for stricter mercury rules

[jpak]

http://bangornews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=155745&zoneid=500

Maine joined its New England neighbors and New York state on Wednesday in petitioning the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to force other states to clean up their acts when it comes to mercury emissions.

Maine environmental officials say the state is making significant progress reducing emissions of the toxin as part of its obligations under the federal Clean Water Act. But officials said mercury blowing into Maine from other regions will preclude the state from lifting fish consumption advisories on many lakes, rivers and streams.

The six New England states and New York state filed a unique, regionwide plan to continue reducing mercury emissions from power plants, incinerators and other sources. At the same time, the states urged the EPA to enact more stringent federal controls on mercury emissions.

The petition is the latest attempt by leaders from the participating states to persuade the EPA to crack down on dirty, coal-burning power plants in other regions, particularly the Midwest. The states also sued in federal court to force the EPA to do more to curb mercury emissions.

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