I do not typically go along with sweetheart deals for one industry or company that forces others to make up the difference, but in this case the pluses far outweigh the minuses. The Federal CAMR is directed at the hundreds of coal burning power plants across the country. But several other industries have no mercury emissions regulations whatsoever and because of their reduced numbers do not get the attention that the utility industry has. Recently the cement industry began to feel the Regulatory pinch, albeit late and weak. The chlorine chemical industry has long been known as a terrible mercury polluter and many of the plants have rightfully converted from the old methods involving mercury to more modern technologies. One of the remaining plants in Port Edwards, WI wants to do the right thing and convert but it needs a little help. If 450,000 residential customers each pay $1.50 each per year ERCO will stop emitting 1100 pounds of mercury pollution per year. To me that makes sense.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - JS Online
"It's a win-win on so many fronts - an unprecedented environmental benefit and helping preserve jobs and the local economy," he said. "I feel fortunate that ERCO is willing to invest in the future of our plant with a lot of money. I just hope that we can make this work."
If the ERCO request is approved, the plant conversion would take place by fall 2008 or early 2009.
When fully operational, ERCO would no longer emit any mercury emissions.
"We don't think it's fair for other customers to subsidize this," said Charlie Higley, executive director of the Citizens' Utility Board...
Read the full article here.
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