Rankings In For Leading States Responsible For Mercury Pollution - TX, PA, OH, WV

[hatrack]

Jan. 27--A new study ranks West Virginia fourth in mercury pollution, a chemical closely tied to a number of health risks.

According to the findings in the report, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia are responsible for more than 35 percent of all power plant- based mercury pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency is set to propose stricter standards for various air pollutants by March and finalize them by November.

"Powering our homes should not poison our kids," said Shelley Vinyard, toxics advocate for Environment America. "Mercury pollution from power plants puts our kids and our environment at risk, and we need the Environmental Protection Agency to force these facilities to clean up."

The news comes as many politicians, especially in the West Virginia delegation, have been calling for increased scrutiny of the EPA. "America's parents do everything they can to protect their children's health; now it's time for the EPA to do its part," Vinyard said. "Congress should stand up for America's families, and support the efforts of the EPA." The report, entitled "Dirty Energy's Assault on our Health: Mercury" comes from Environment America, a federation of state-based environmental advocacy organizations.

EDIT

http://www.dailymail.com/ap/ApTopStories/201101270809

[Kennah]

1. So those are the people ...

... throwing CFLs into landfills?

[joshcryer]

2. coal

[FedUpWithIt All]

3. I have lived in three states in my life and they are all on that list.

:scared:

Pretty disheartening.

[joshcryer]

5. All coal emits copious amounts of mercury.

Most plants are exempted iirc.

[eppur_se_muova]

4. Dang, too late to rec. nt