New Mexico Joins Other States - Tougher Than Fed Mercury Emissions Standards

New Mexico was talking tough and now they are backing up the talk with actions. This excerpt from The Santa Fe New Mexican.

New Mexico's mercury emissions standards, which primarily impact coal-fired power generating plants, are now officially tougher than those set by the federal government.

The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board recently adopted new mercury regulations proposed by the New Mexico Environment Department to cap mercury levels allowed in emissions. The federal Environmental Protection Agency established a less restrictive cap and trade program, which allows higher mercury emission plants to purchase credits from cleaner power plants.
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“New Mexico ─ along with other states ─ insisted that the federal EPA’s trading program allows mercury emissions from power plants that are harmful to human health and the environment,” said New Mexico Environment Department Secretary Ron Curry. “The Environment Department’s regulations put in place protections so New Mexico residents do not have to breathe in harmful neurotoxins that pose great health risks for residents, especially children.”

The full article can be read here.