Shocked, Shocked- Mining Industry Wants NV To Delay New Mercury Rules For Gold Mines

[hatrack]

The Nevada Mining Association wants the state to postpone ordering the industry to install additional mercury emissions control equipment until the federal government reveals its plans for gold mining pollution this summer.

Environmentalists say the state regulations should move ahead as scheduled and criticized the industry for putting profits ahead of the environment and the health of residents of Nevada and neighboring states.

The state intends to begin issuing permits in July requiring mining companies to equip their operations with the latest technology to prevent toxic mercury from escaping into the air. Most gold mines will have two years to comply.

Industry leaders argue in a petition filed with the Nevada Environmental Commission on Monday they should not have to spend the tens of millions of dollars required now because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may impose its own pollution control requirements on gold mines.

EDIT

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/06/09/financial/f130743D36.DTL&type=business

[madeline_con]

1. Did the new administration reverse Chimp's last minute ruling

that would have allowed the ruination of the environment in that regard?