Strong Mercury Rule Coming?

For Immediate Release: Contact: Matt Wallace
March 28th, 2007 (608) 256-9144

DNR Opens Door for Strong Mercury Rule

Cost effective technology available to achieve 90% reduction by 2012
The Natural Resources Board today authorized for public comment a range of options for proposed
changes to the state’s mercury rule.
“With cost-effective technology for 90 percent reductions already available, there’s no reason our lakes
and streams should wait for power plants to get their act together,” said Matt Wallace, WISPIRG
Environmental Associate. "Illinois is on track to reduce statewide mercury emissions 90% by 2009, and
at each individual plant by 2012. Our public health and beautiful waters are too important to let Wisconsin
lag behind our neighbors."
WISPIRG, along with other environmental and sports groups, has submitted a citizens petition to the DNR
requesting that the state implement rules to achieve a 90% reduction in mercury emissions by 2012.
Already, Wisconsinites have overwhelmingly expressed support for such a rule.
Mercury is a serious public health threat in Wisconsin, and is especially dangerous for children and
developing fetuses. Mercury exposure can damage the central nervous system, causing attention and
language deficits, impaired memory, and impaired visual and motor function.
In Wisconsin, most mercury pollution comes from coal-fired power plants. Once in our environment, it
often falls into our rivers and lakes where natural bacteria convert it to its most toxic form. This mercury
becomes more concentrated as it moves up the food chain, until humans consume it through sport and
commercially caught fish. The pollution is so widespread that the DNR has issued fish consumption
advisories for every body of water in the state.
The public comment period will likely entertain comment on a range of policy options, with public hearings
around the state expected to occur no later than June.
"We need to solve this problem, and there's no reason to delay," said Wallace. "We know the source of
the threat, and we have the technology now to stop it. When Wisconsin's kids catch their first fish from
our beautiful lakes, their parents shouldn't have to think twice about serving it for dinner."
XXX
WISPIRG is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan public interest organization dedicated to environmental protection,
consumer rights, and good government.