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LOCAL Announcement :: Environment

Illinois PIRG : Help pass the Governor's Mecury Plan

Thanks in part to support from our members, Governor Blagojevich recently proposed cutting power plant mercury emissions by 90%. To become law, his proposal must make its way through a public rulemaking process, but the power plant industry is lobbying hard to stop it. We can win if we build support.
Last week we asked you to call and thank the Governor for supporting a strong mercury law. Now please take a moment to ask your legislator to support the Governor's proposal. Then ask your family and friends to help by forwarding this e-mail to them.

To take action, click on this link or paste it into your browser:

pirg.org/alerts/route.asp


Background

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that harms people and the environment. Studies have shown that mercury exposure can damage the human brain, heart, and immune system. Developing fetuses and children are especially at risk as even low-level mercury exposure can cause learning disabilities, developmental delays, decreased IQ, and memory and attention problems.

Governor Blagojevich's proposal makes it clear that putting our children at risk for brain damage is not an acceptable cost of doing business in Illinois. His proposal would require in-state power companies to install modern pollution controls to eliminate 90% of their collective mercury emissions by 2009. And even better, the 90% standard would apply on a plant by plant basis by 2012.

The Governor's expressed intent to pursue this reduction is indeed a significant step forward, and it validates the year and a half of effort that Illinois PIRG has dedicated to this issue, but it is just a first step. Now, Illinois EPA will submit the Governor's proposal to a public rulemaking process, which could take up to 9 months to complete. Adoption of the rule will require approval by Illinois Pollution Control Board (ILPCB) as well as the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. The process will start with an ILPCB call for public input and public hearings. The proposal could change as it moves through the process. That's why supportive public input and Illinois PIRG's advocacy will be crucial for fulfilling the Governor's promise of a 90% reduction in toxic mercury emissions.

Please take a moment to ask your legislator to support the Governor's proposal. Then ask your family and friends to help by forwarding this e-mail to them.

To take action, click on this link or paste it into your browser:

pirg.org/alerts/route.asp

Sincerely,

Rebecca D. Stanfield
Illinois PIRG Environmental Attorney
RebeccaS (at) illinoispirg.org
www.IllinoisPIRG.org

P.S. Thanks again for your support. Please feel free to share this e-mail with your family and friends.
 
 

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