WILLIAMS BACKS STATE PLAN TO REDUCE MERCURY EMISSIONS

HARRISBURG, NOV. 17 – State Sen. Connie Williams said she would vigorously advocate for the acceptance of a state regulatory commission plan to cut mercury pollution in Pennsylvania by 80 percent by 2010.

"Mercury regulations have caused much debate in the legislature, where we've seen legislation that would weaken Pennsylvania's standards," Williams said. "While I recognize that there is a vocal contingent of the legislature that will try to oppose the newly approved mercury emissions standards for coal-fired power plants, I think it is important for everyone to look at why these standards are needed. We need these standards to protect the environment and to safeguard air quality."

Williams noted that she felt there was nothing wrong with Pennsylvania having higher standards than the federal government when it comes to protecting the health of Pennsylvanians and the environment.

Pennsylvania ranks second to Texas in mercury emissions. Pennsylvania emits 5 tons of mercury each year and the bulk of that comes from its 36 coal-fired power plants. Mercury causes serious health problems.

"I give the mercury workgroup of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection credit for making recommendations that will position Pennsylvania to become the first major coal-producing state to adopt stringent standards," Williams said. "This may not have been the popular plan, but it is one that will help Pennsylvania truly reduce mercury pollution. The plan will support a solid environmental policy when it comes to mercury."

The new standards that gained approval from the state's Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) Thursday must still pass legislative muster.

"It will be interesting to hear the debate that likely will take place in the legislature," Williams said. "There will be talk of higher electric bills, closing of some coal-fired power plants and threats of Pennsylvania losing some of its power plant jobs to other states. Public policy changes can produce some economic ripples, but it remains critical that we look at how the state can best protect its citizens. The health of Pennsylvanians and the future of the Commonwealth's environment is at a critical juncture and it is incumbent upon the legislature and the administration to support a solid environmental policy and stand strong against some business interests that seek a much less significant reduction in mercury emissions that will trade emissions credits instead of seeking a real reduction in mercury emissions."

Williams reiterated her belief that Pennsylvania's electric generating industry will rise to the challenge of cleaning up its power plants.

"As the issue of mercury pollution is further studied we may find that the problem is more widespread than initially thought," Williams said. "We may not be able to control mercury that enters Pennsylvania's waterways from other states or from other sources, but their existence should not deter us from rising to the occasion and serving as an example that good environmental policy and economic advancement can go hand in hand."

The debate over mercury pollution began in earnest on a state level in 2004. This spring, there were several legislative attempts (S.B. 1201 and H.B. 2601) to block DEP mercury regulations and move Pennsylvania toward adopting the weaker federal standards.

The administration and a number of environmental and special interest groups applauded the IRRC decision this week.

"In the end, I hope that when the legislature adjourns the 2005-06 Legislative Session we can say without hesitation that we've done everything that we could to protect the health of Pennsylvanians and to safeguard the environment," Williams said.