As I have followed the progress of the mercury emission legislation as it rolls out across the nation it strikes me how differently States, and organizations within, differ on what is possible, affordable, and necessary.
Where one state like my home State of Illinois has passed some of the strictest mercury legislation in the country, and has negotiated successfully with each major coal burning power company in the State to achieve these strict standards (albeit with some hedging on the dates while best efforts are made). Another state like Alabama will just go along with the Federal CAMR without much debate at all. And others like Pennsylvania and Michigan continue to fight over this issue.
How can technology be OK for one state and not for others? How can strict standards be met in one state and shunned in another? Industry groups fight tougher standards and say they are too costly, or unacheivable. Environmental groups push for strict standards and point out the technology that exists and the relative low cost to consumer. Hotspots, health effects, exposure limits, toxicology; all these issues are argued over.
I have tried to remain neutral in my reporting, and will continue to do so, but some of this just doesn't make sense.
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