Despite Dangerous Pandemic, Trump’s EPA Attacks Safeguards Against Mercury Pollution

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Despite the presence of a global pandemic that’s risking the lives of millions of Americans, today former coal lobbyist and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced his final plan to undermine the basis of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS).  

The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, finalized by President Obama in 2012, limited hazardous pollution from coal- and oil-fired power plants, targeting pollutants like mercury, arsenic, hydrochloric acid, and a variety of other air toxics that are especially harmful to infants, pregnant women, and the elderly. The EPA estimates that MATS protections would prevent up to 11,000 premature deaths and more than 130,000 asthma and heart attacks each year. The value of those benefits to the public is estimated to be as high as $90 billion annually. Since going into effect, MATS has reduced mercury emissions from power plants by 81 percent and many utilities have asked for them to remain in place despite Wheeler’s actions today. 

In response, Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club, released the following statement: 

“Andrew Wheeler’s attempt to undercut the basis of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards reminds us that not even a global pandemic will stop him from being a coal lobbyist in an EPA Administrator’s suit. There is genuine fear and concern rolling through the country right now, but all Wheeler can think about is lining the pockets of his former coal employers and further endangering communities already at high risk to COVID-19.  

“Congress, the Clean Air Act, experts, and communities across America have long made clear that protections against mercury pollution are vital to the public’s health and safety. Wheeler’s attack on life-saving clean air standards will not stop Sierra Club and our partners from holding the coal industry accountable.”