February 22, 2006

Environmental Advocates of New York
National Wildlife Federation
New York Public Interest Research Group

Pennsylvania Announces Plan to Dramatically Cut Mercury Pollution from Coal Plants

Move Demonstrates That Mercury Cleanup is Doable in New York

Albany, NY (February 22, 2006) The National Wildlife Federation, Environmental Advocates of New York, and New York Public Interest Research Group welcomed today’s announcement by Pennsylvania officials that coal plants in the state will be required to significantly reduce their mercury pollution by the end of the decade. This decision by a major coal state to exceed federal requirements for controlling toxic air pollution has national implications, as states like New York consider their next move on the same issue.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced the framework for its mercury control plan today in Harrisburg. The plan will require the state’s 35 coal-fired power plants to control 80 percent of their mercury pollution by 2010, and 90 percent by 2015.

"Pennsylvania’s decision to go beyond federal air pollution requirements is a great example of what states can do to sensibly control air pollution when the federal government declines to do so. With some of the biggest power plants in the northeast, New York has a lot to gain by following the lead of states like Pennsylvania and limiting its own mercury emissions," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates of New York. New York Department of Environmental Conservation is currently developing its own regulations restricting mercury pollution from in-state power plants. The state has until November to inform the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of its plan to regulate mercury pollution from power plants. State legislation (A6484) requiring 90 percent reductions from all power plants in New York by 2012 unanimously passed the Assembly earlier this year.

"Pennsylvania, which is a coal state, has set the floor for what is an acceptable mercury control standard for power plants," said Jason K. Babbie, Senior Environmental Policy Analyst for the New York Public Interest Research Group. "In order for Governor Pataki to fulfill his promise of leadership, but more importantly to help stop the spread of mercury contamination plaguing more and more of New York's waterways, New York will have to announce a plan in the coming months that achieves at least a 90 percent plant-by-plant cut in mercury over the next few years."

Pennsylvania’s decision will affect its 35 coal-burning power plants, ranked third in the country for their mercury pollution. Pennsylvania joins Illinois in becoming the second major coal-burning state to announce plans to regulate power plant mercury emissions more stringently than the federal government. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey have already finalized regulations that are stronger than the federal rules–requiring major reductions in coal plant mercury emissions by the end of the decade. Additionally, 15 states across the country are suing the federal government, charging that the recently finalized rules are too weak and that more urgent action on mercury is possible and required. The Environmental Protection Agency a year ago finalized a mercury rule that would cut emissions from coal plants 70 percent using a controversial emissions trading program that is not likely to result in pollution reductions before 2025.

“If Pennsylvania can reduce mercury from power plants in less than five years, without jeopardizing the utility and coal industries or adversely affecting ratepayers, then it should be possible in New York and other states as well,” says Catherine Bowes, Northeast Mercury Program Manager at the National Wildlife Federation. “The message is clear: Cutting mercury pollution by the end of the decade is possible and affordable. States have the tools necessary to clean up their mercury contamination problems and are taking action to do so in the absence of federal leadership.”

The National Wildlife Federation is America's conservation organization protecting wildlife for our children's future. Visit www.nwf.org.

The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) is New York State’s largest research and advocacy non-profit organization primarily focused on environmental preservation, consumer protection, government reform and public health issues. Visit www.nypirg.org.

Environmental Advocates is New York State’s government watchdog, ensuring that New York State enacts and implements the measures necessary to protect its natural resources and environmental health. Visit www.eany.org.