By Wendy Koch, USA TODAY
Recommend The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency proposed rules Wednesday that would -- for the first time -- limit the emissions of mercury, arsenic and other pollutants from coal-fired power plants.
Environmental and medical groups, which long sought the rules, welcomed them as a way to reduce respiratory illnesses, heart disease and developmental problems in children. Some industry groups said they would cost jobs and hike electric rates.
The rules, which will require plants to have pollution-control equipment, came as no surprise. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments mandated that EPA control industrial emissions, but coal-fired power plants avoided limits. A 2009 court ruling required the agency to propose such rules by March 16 and finalize them by November.
EPA said the rules will reduce mercury emissions 91% and cut those of chromium, nickel and particulate pollutants such as dust and dirt. It said they will prevent as many as 17,000 premature deaths and 11,000 heart attacks each year, and would be particularly helpful to children suffering from asthma and bronchitis.
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