Yesterday Hg-ATME reported the agreement reached in Pennsylvania settling one of the most contentious battles over mercury emission legislation in the country. It is an apparent victory for environmentalists, citizens in general and everyone downwind of PA coal burning power plants, of which there are many.
Even yesterday we alluded to possible on-going objections by some of the more staunch opponents of this compromise in the PA senate. And today we learn what course that objection may take.
From The Patriot-News / pennlive.com
State Sen. Mary Jo White, R-Venango, chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and Sen. Raphael Musto, D-Luzerne, are ending their efforts to block them -- at least for now. Both had been vigorous opponents of the regulations.
In a letter to Secretary of Environmental Resources Kathleen A. McGinty, White and Musto said they are "confident" they could have garnered legislative support for a resolution to disapprove the mercury regulations, but they concluded it would be "unproductive" to do so.
It is doubtful they could have taken that tact, as even (o)ne of their chief allies in industry was Douglas Biden of the Electric Power Generation Association in Harrisburg. Biden said in essence that White didn't have the votes.
"I did not expect either Senator White or Senator Musto to start a resolution to try to stop them," he said. "I can't disagree with their political judgment. A bill would simply have been a 'just say no' statement."
However these two state representatives are going to try to add to this legislation one of the key points of contention all along and that is "Trading of Toxic Emission Credits".
White and Musto said in their letter to McGinty that they intend to introduce and advance new legislation to impose mercury-emission standards stronger than the EPA rules, but weaker than those of DEP. In essence, every power plant would be required to achieve a 90 percent reduction in mercury emissions by 2015, but they would be allowed to trade emission credits to go beyond that.
Biden said DEP was really seeking a 95 percent to 98 percent reduction, and the only way for some power plants to meet that standard was to buy emission credits.
I have been following this issue for a while and nowhere have I seen anyone in any State propose 95% or 98% reductions. This just sounds like rhetoric to get the trading issue back on the table for discussion. As I said in earlier posts, for Pennsylvania, this is one debate that just won't go away.
Even though it appears the PA law would require all plants in PA to acheive the 90% reduction, these senators want PA utilities to be able to sell credits on the open market thus weakening the overall effect of their reductions. It is not good enough for progressive states like PA to limit emissions within their own state it is imperative that they do not allow utilities in other states to buy their good efforts and allow the mercury into the air elsewhere. What good does it do if they sell the credits to Ohio and the mercury comes right back into PA?
The complete Patriot-News article can be read here.
Friday, February 9, 2007
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Pennsylvania Agreement - It Is Finally Done, Or Is It?
From Penn Future through the PR Newswire
The final hurdle has been crossed in the long debate over mercury emissions in Pennsylvania. On the heals of Colorado's compromise decision earlier this week, the citizens of Pennsylvania can now count themselves among the lucky ones that have formidable mercury emissions legislation statewide. PennFutrue expresses their pleasure with the outcome, as they have led a fierce fight for this on behalf of babies born and unborn and the community in general. The following are a few excerpts from their Press Release, and I want to personally congratulate them on their victory.
Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture) today expressed pleasure that the leaders of the Pennsylvania Senate Environmental Resources and Energy (ERE) Committee bowed to reality and accepted the mercury regulations legally adopted last session. (...) The decision to stop fighting the regulations was announced in a letter to Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Kathleen McGinty from Senators Mary Jo White (R-Venango) and Raphael Musto (D-Luzerne), Chair and Democratic Chair of the ERE Committee.
(...)
Jan Jarrett, vice president of PennFuture (said) "Nearly 11,000 Pennsylvanians formally supported the regulations, and more than 100 organizations including health care professionals, people of faith, anglers and hunters, other environmental groups and women's rights groups all were part of the campaign to stop toxic mercury pollution. It is gratifying that the senators have recognized their inability to win a fight on these rules, and have decided to accept the public process and the public will, making this a banner day for public health and for Pennsylvania's environment and economy.
"But we are very concerned that these senators are announcing their intent to open a new front of opposition," Jarrett continued. "Pennsylvania's mercury rule already achieves compromises with industry, accommodating their concerns. We cannot and will not compromise with the health of our most vulnerable.
I too hope that the officials in Pennsylvania let the will of the people of their fine state take precedence over industry interests.
The final hurdle has been crossed in the long debate over mercury emissions in Pennsylvania. On the heals of Colorado's compromise decision earlier this week, the citizens of Pennsylvania can now count themselves among the lucky ones that have formidable mercury emissions legislation statewide. PennFutrue expresses their pleasure with the outcome, as they have led a fierce fight for this on behalf of babies born and unborn and the community in general. The following are a few excerpts from their Press Release, and I want to personally congratulate them on their victory.
Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture) today expressed pleasure that the leaders of the Pennsylvania Senate Environmental Resources and Energy (ERE) Committee bowed to reality and accepted the mercury regulations legally adopted last session. (...) The decision to stop fighting the regulations was announced in a letter to Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Kathleen McGinty from Senators Mary Jo White (R-Venango) and Raphael Musto (D-Luzerne), Chair and Democratic Chair of the ERE Committee.
(...)
Jan Jarrett, vice president of PennFuture (said) "Nearly 11,000 Pennsylvanians formally supported the regulations, and more than 100 organizations including health care professionals, people of faith, anglers and hunters, other environmental groups and women's rights groups all were part of the campaign to stop toxic mercury pollution. It is gratifying that the senators have recognized their inability to win a fight on these rules, and have decided to accept the public process and the public will, making this a banner day for public health and for Pennsylvania's environment and economy.
"But we are very concerned that these senators are announcing their intent to open a new front of opposition," Jarrett continued. "Pennsylvania's mercury rule already achieves compromises with industry, accommodating their concerns. We cannot and will not compromise with the health of our most vulnerable.
I too hope that the officials in Pennsylvania let the will of the people of their fine state take precedence over industry interests.
International Forum - GC-24/GMEF Meets in Nairobi, Kenya - Discuss Mercury Emissions Globally
From the 24th Session of the UNEP Governing Council / Global Ministerial Environment Forum as Reported by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
In a session of the Committee of the Whole on Chemical Management the issue of a global approach to mercury emissions legislation was discussed. The following is an excerpt from that session.
The US stressed that it supported further action on mercury, noting that partnerships are more effective than legally binding mandates. NORWAY said voluntary actions are insufficient, and urged development of a legally binding framework on mercury. Uganda, on behalf of the AFRICA GROUP, voiced its support to the proposal, saying that the binding commitment on mercury should include lead and cadmium. JAPAN spoke in favor of separate action on mercury and suggested establishing an international expert group to consider further action.
Germany, on behalf of the EU, reiterated the importance of a legally binding instrument, and said that voluntary initiatives have not led to reduced use of mercury. BRAZIL suggested examining a fund within a legally binding instrument to assist developing countries. AUSTRALIA proposed making a full analysis of possible responses. CANADA said it sees no need for additional work on lead and cadmium, and prefers concentrating on mercury.
Note that the US continues to support voluntary approaches to managing the problem while most other nations want a legally binding solution. You can read the summary of the forum sessions here. This particular discussion is from the Committee of the Whole.
In a session of the Committee of the Whole on Chemical Management the issue of a global approach to mercury emissions legislation was discussed. The following is an excerpt from that session.
The US stressed that it supported further action on mercury, noting that partnerships are more effective than legally binding mandates. NORWAY said voluntary actions are insufficient, and urged development of a legally binding framework on mercury. Uganda, on behalf of the AFRICA GROUP, voiced its support to the proposal, saying that the binding commitment on mercury should include lead and cadmium. JAPAN spoke in favor of separate action on mercury and suggested establishing an international expert group to consider further action.
Germany, on behalf of the EU, reiterated the importance of a legally binding instrument, and said that voluntary initiatives have not led to reduced use of mercury. BRAZIL suggested examining a fund within a legally binding instrument to assist developing countries. AUSTRALIA proposed making a full analysis of possible responses. CANADA said it sees no need for additional work on lead and cadmium, and prefers concentrating on mercury.
Note that the US continues to support voluntary approaches to managing the problem while most other nations want a legally binding solution. You can read the summary of the forum sessions here. This particular discussion is from the Committee of the Whole.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Colorado Compromise - Coal & Communities Coexist
In a State known for its pristine beauty, another beautiful thing has emerged, 'compromise.' Hg-ATME has been following the Colorado debate over mercury emissions for the last few months and now, yesterday, it appears the parties on all sides have agreed. These excerpts and the rest of the article from the CBS 4 Denver.com website highlight just how utilities, environmental groups and government can work together to do what is right for their communities.
"We found as we talked that we saw we weren't as far apart as we thought we had been," said Jim Sanderson, an attorney representing a coalition of utilities.
(...)
Vickie Patton, an attorney with Environmental Defense, gave a great deal of credit to the utilities for the compromise.
"Colorado power companies were an incredible voice of leadership in coming forward to provide very significant mercury emissions standards," Patton said.
The details of the agreement (from Environment Colorado) show what a true compromise is all about.
Specifically, the new rules will do the following:
• require two largest coal-fired power plants and emitters of mercury pollution, the Pawnee and Rawhide energy stations, to begin clean-up immediately and reduce mercury pollution 80% by 2012;
• require all coal plants to reduce mercury pollution 80% by 2014, and then 90% by 2018; and
• prevent coal-fired power plants in Colorado from selling mercury pollution “trading credits” to other polluters and encouraging mercury “hot spots” to stay polluted.
Both sides gave in some and thus both sides got a lot back. And the people of Colorado and everyone else downwind are the big winners. We need more States to follow in these footsteps.
"We found as we talked that we saw we weren't as far apart as we thought we had been," said Jim Sanderson, an attorney representing a coalition of utilities.
(...)
Vickie Patton, an attorney with Environmental Defense, gave a great deal of credit to the utilities for the compromise.
"Colorado power companies were an incredible voice of leadership in coming forward to provide very significant mercury emissions standards," Patton said.
The details of the agreement (from Environment Colorado) show what a true compromise is all about.
Specifically, the new rules will do the following:
• require two largest coal-fired power plants and emitters of mercury pollution, the Pawnee and Rawhide energy stations, to begin clean-up immediately and reduce mercury pollution 80% by 2012;
• require all coal plants to reduce mercury pollution 80% by 2014, and then 90% by 2018; and
• prevent coal-fired power plants in Colorado from selling mercury pollution “trading credits” to other polluters and encouraging mercury “hot spots” to stay polluted.
Both sides gave in some and thus both sides got a lot back. And the people of Colorado and everyone else downwind are the big winners. We need more States to follow in these footsteps.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Begins EPA Oversight Hearing
From EarthJustice
Washington, D.C. -- Today, the United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, chaired by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), will conduct an oversight hearing on recent decisions at the Environmental Protection Agency.
(...)
The following is a statement by Earthjustice attorney James Pew.
(...)
"We applaud the Senate EPW committee and Senator Boxer for making the EPA Administrator at last give some explanation for this agency's attempts to allow polluters to increase their toxic emissions. Pollutants such as mercury, dioxins and PCBs continue to be emitted without any limitation whatsoever from thousands of unregulated facilities each year.
Read the full EarthJustice article here.
Washington, D.C. -- Today, the United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, chaired by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), will conduct an oversight hearing on recent decisions at the Environmental Protection Agency.
(...)
The following is a statement by Earthjustice attorney James Pew.
(...)
"We applaud the Senate EPW committee and Senator Boxer for making the EPA Administrator at last give some explanation for this agency's attempts to allow polluters to increase their toxic emissions. Pollutants such as mercury, dioxins and PCBs continue to be emitted without any limitation whatsoever from thousands of unregulated facilities each year.
Read the full EarthJustice article here.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Colorado Groups Work Hard Together & Reach Agreement
From The Rocky Mountain News
The agreement, hailed by Gov. Bill Ritter, reflects a significant compromise by industry.
"Colorado's electricity providers deserve enormous credit for their commitment to sweeping reductions in mercury," said Vickie Patton, a senior attorney for Environmental Defense and frequent industry critic who helped negotiate the deal.
It was reported in Hg-ATME earlier that these groups had twice delayed releasing their proposal because they still had some details to work out. This agreement seems to have been worth the wait. With public health at stake I see no reason other States can't find similar common ground. You can read the full RMN article here.
And this from the Denver Post.
"This is a momentous achievement for human health and the environment in Colorado," said Vickie Patton, a Boulder-based attorney for Environmental Defense.
"The result is landmark for Colorado because it will reduce a toxic air pollutant," she said. "It's also a big step forward in people working together in ways they haven't worked together for many years."
Full DP article here.
The agreement, hailed by Gov. Bill Ritter, reflects a significant compromise by industry.
"Colorado's electricity providers deserve enormous credit for their commitment to sweeping reductions in mercury," said Vickie Patton, a senior attorney for Environmental Defense and frequent industry critic who helped negotiate the deal.
It was reported in Hg-ATME earlier that these groups had twice delayed releasing their proposal because they still had some details to work out. This agreement seems to have been worth the wait. With public health at stake I see no reason other States can't find similar common ground. You can read the full RMN article here.
And this from the Denver Post.
"This is a momentous achievement for human health and the environment in Colorado," said Vickie Patton, a Boulder-based attorney for Environmental Defense.
"The result is landmark for Colorado because it will reduce a toxic air pollutant," she said. "It's also a big step forward in people working together in ways they haven't worked together for many years."
Full DP article here.
Norway, Switzerland, Senegal, Gambia and Iceland Propose Int'l Treaty at UNEP Includes Mercury Emissions
From Kyodo News
Five countries are set to propose creating an international treaty to combat worldwide heavy-metal pollution at a U.N. Environment Program board meeting beginning Monday in Nairobi, Japanese government sources said Saturday.
Norway, Switzerland, Senegal, Gambia and Iceland will propose setting numerical targets to reduce mercury emissions and regulating heavy-metal exports, the sources said.
Five countries are set to propose creating an international treaty to combat worldwide heavy-metal pollution at a U.N. Environment Program board meeting beginning Monday in Nairobi, Japanese government sources said Saturday.
Norway, Switzerland, Senegal, Gambia and Iceland will propose setting numerical targets to reduce mercury emissions and regulating heavy-metal exports, the sources said.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Desert Rock Promises 90% Mercury Reduction
The controversial Desert Rock Energy plant proposed for the Four Corners area is promising a 90% reduction in mercury emissions but local groups are still skeptical partly because this is not in a formal operating permit.
"Without it being in the permit, it's not enforceable," said Mary Uhl of the Environment Department's Air Quality Bureau.
(...)
Frank Maisano, spokesman for Sithe Global, said the agreement will be made formal. For example, he said, the company could enter into an agreed order - similar to a permit - with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency.
You can read the full Arizona Daily Star article here.
"Without it being in the permit, it's not enforceable," said Mary Uhl of the Environment Department's Air Quality Bureau.
(...)
Frank Maisano, spokesman for Sithe Global, said the agreement will be made formal. For example, he said, the company could enter into an agreed order - similar to a permit - with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency.
You can read the full Arizona Daily Star article here.
Four Down, Five To Go - Really 54 Down 5 To Go
As was reported by Hg-ATME earier this week the Pioneer chlorine plant in St. Gabriel, LA is proposing to eliminate mercury cell technology from its process thus removing forever the hundreds of pounds of mercury emitted each year using that ancient technology.
Oceana is pointing out this same fact but titled their piece "Four Down, Five To Go." In actuality now 54 of the nationwide 59 chlorine plants will have converted. Oceana has been tirelessly working this industry and it is paying off big time.
Way to go Oceana, and way to go Pioneer.
Oceana is pointing out this same fact but titled their piece "Four Down, Five To Go." In actuality now 54 of the nationwide 59 chlorine plants will have converted. Oceana has been tirelessly working this industry and it is paying off big time.
Way to go Oceana, and way to go Pioneer.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
A Little Mercury Emission Humor
From the Reno Independant Media Center
Did You Hear the One About Mercury Pollution?
Activists are hoping a big green and white billboard and a little dose of humor will drive home their point about mercury pollution in Nevada. Dan Randolph with Great Basin Mine Watch says the billboard uses a little joke about a side effect of mercury pollution to call attention to one of the state's biggest health hazards.
(...)
"Most people when they think of mercury pollution, think of coal fired power plants, but here in Nevada the mines are a much bigger source. They formed the top mercury hot spot in the US."
The joke and the rest of the article can be read here.
Did You Hear the One About Mercury Pollution?
Activists are hoping a big green and white billboard and a little dose of humor will drive home their point about mercury pollution in Nevada. Dan Randolph with Great Basin Mine Watch says the billboard uses a little joke about a side effect of mercury pollution to call attention to one of the state's biggest health hazards.
(...)
"Most people when they think of mercury pollution, think of coal fired power plants, but here in Nevada the mines are a much bigger source. They formed the top mercury hot spot in the US."
The joke and the rest of the article can be read here.
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