Date : Tue, 31 Mar 2015 11:36:40 -0400
For Immediate Release
March 25, 2015
Contact Jeff Tittel, 609-558-9100
EPA Mercury Rule at Supreme Court but not N.J.
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments challenging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (MATS). 16 states support the rule and filed briefs, but New Jersey did not participate. Coal-fired power plants are one of the largest sources of pollution in the country and emit thousands of pounds of mercury and other toxic pollution into the air every year. Even though New Jersey has reduced its mercury emissions, because of our location at the end of the air stream, we receive a lot of pollution from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and other Midwestern states.
"New Jersey was originally part of the lawsuit suing the EPA to limit mercury from power plants and with those rules under challenge, the Christie administration is not part of the lawsuit. Instead they are supporting power plants in the Midwest over New Jersey's environment. We need to have strong enforceable national rules regulating mercury since most of the air toxins that affect New Jersey come from air pollution from out of state. That means curbing mercury pollution in other states will improve our health. By not supporting the rule, Christie has chosen coal companies and out of state polluters over New Jersey's interests," said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.
"The brief highlights New Jersey's tough limits on mercury pollution and strong regulations. However, New Jersey is not taking part in the proceedings. New Jersey has lowered mercury levels in our state and now most of the mercury here comes from out of state pollution. By not supporting this rule, it penalizes New Jersey businesses, but lets out-of-state polluters off the hook. It shows the Christie Administration is supporting out-of-state polluters over New Jersey and public health," said Tittel.
When toxic mercury gets released into the air, it rains down into our lakes, streams and other waters. Mercury then accumulates in fish and trout in our waterways and reservoirs putting our public health at risk. Unfortunately our waterways are so polluted that nearly all fish contain traces of mercury. If ingested mercury can become a dangerous neurotoxin, damage the brain, and nervous system.
"Even in the middle of the Highlands, where there are pristine streams, there is mercury pollution. There, fish advisories have been placed on trout that are affected by mercury from air pollution entering our waterways. Mercury is also a neurotoxin, which is carcinogenic and threatens children's health in particular. The most important thing we can do is to start to rid our environment of toxins like mercury," said Tittel.
Mercury is harmful to pregnant women and children causing severe birth defects, such as developmental disorders and learning disabilities. Even in small amounts, these toxins can be extremely harmful and are linked to cancer, heart disease, birth defects, asthma attacks, and premature death. According to the EPA, each year the improved air-quality standards will save as many as 11,000 lives from exposure to mercury and other toxins.
"In the past, New Jersey was part of the lawsuits against mercury and air toxics pollution. 16 states support the rule including New York, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts and even Iowa, but not New Jersey under Governor Christie. By not participating, it is clear Governor Christie is more concerned with his national political ambitions over what's best for New Jersey. The Governor maybe more concerned about power plants in Ohio then pollution effecting New Jersey," said Tittel.