In other words: A discussion of The Bush Administration
EPA Led Mercury Policy Shift (washingtonpost.com)
For nearly 21 months, a government task force steadily moved toward recommending rules that within three years would force every coal-fired power plant in the country to reduce emissions of mercury, which can cause neurological and developmental damage to humans.
The Environmental Protection Agency-sponsored working group had a well-regarded mix of utility industry representatives, state air quality officials and environmentalists. Without settling on specific emission reductions, the panel agreed that all 1,100 of the nation's coal- and oil-fired power plants must use the 'maximum achievable control technology' (MACT) to reduce mercury and other hazardous pollutants.
But in April, the EPA abruptly dismantled the panel. John A. Paul, its co-chairman, said members were given no clue why their work was halted -- that is, until late last month, when the Bush administration revealed it was taking an entirely different approach, using a more flexible portion of the Clean Air Act.
The new approach is actually fairly old for the Bush administration: Do what is best for the energy firms, and to hell with any child (born or unborn), who will suffer from mercury poisoning (and may never know why they have a variety of health and mental developmental issues).
- rob 12:48 PM - [PermaLink] -
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