State Mercury Laws for Coal Plants
Because the Bush Administration refuses to adequately reduce mercury from the nation's mercury-producing coal plants (see www.northstar.sierraclub.org/mercury), some states have begun to do so themselves. However, even though Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency currently have the authority to reduce mercury through issuing new regulations, they are not. With over a dozen major coal plants in Minnesota that are not regulated for mercury, and with 75% of our electricity coming from that coal, it is unacceptable for our state to sit by and do nothing. At the bottom of this page are addresses of the Governor and MPCA if you would like to write a letter.
In sharp contrast to Minnesota, below are some states which have made serious commitments to reducing mercury from coal plants:
CONNECTICUT —
In 2003, Connecticut became the first state to regulate
mercury from coal plants by passing a law that requires all
coal-fired power plants to reduce mercury 90% by July 1,
2008.
http://www.newrules.org/environment/mercuryct.html
NEW JERSEY —
On January 5, 2004, the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection proposed new rules that will
reduce mercury by 90% at the states 10 coal-fired boilers by
2007.
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/infofinder/topics/air.htm
MASSACHUSETTS —
In June 2004, the Department of Environmental Protection
released final regulations to reduce mercury emissions at four
large coal plants by 85% by Jan. 1 2008, and 95% by Oct. 1 2012.
http://www.mass.gov/dep/bwp/hgres.htm
NEW HAMPSHIRE —
In 2002, the State Legislature has directed the Department
of Environmental Services to propose rules establishing
a cap on mercury emissions from coal plants by March 31,
2004.
http://www.newrules.org/electricity/climatenh.html
WISCONSIN —
Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources has developed a proposal
to reduce mercury by 90% at the states 13 coal plants within 15
years (30% after five years, 50% after 10 years and 90% after 15
years).
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/air/reg/mercury/rule.htm
COLORADO, HAWAII, IOWA, NEW YORK, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON — In these states, bills have recently been introduced to reduce mercury at coal plants.
Governor Tim Pawlenty
130 State Capitol
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Commissioner Sheryl Corrigan:
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4194