Monday, March 19, 2007

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle Pushes 90% by 2020 Mercury Emission Reductions and Opt-Out of Trading

From The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Following up on a campaign pledge by Gov. Jim Doyle, the Department of Natural Resources proposed new regulations on Thursday that would lead to a 90% reduction in mercury output at electric generating plants in Wisconsin by 2020.

The proposal exceeds reductions required under current state law.

A key feature of the new regulations calls for Wisconsin to opt out of a national trading program that would let utilities buy their way out of the reductions.

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state's largest business group, said the regulations will increase electricity costs, which will make the state less competitive.

"I can guarantee you that China isn't going to do this," said Scott M. Manley, director of environmental policy for the group.

Read the rest of the article here.

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