Mercury is an extremely dangerous neurotoxin that can cause severe damage to humans and wildlife. It is connected to neurological disorders, cardiac disease, attention deficit disorder, autism, and many other disorders. In addition, it can permanently damage fetuses even in extremely small doses.

Photo by Trista Lassila.

Coal-fired power plants emit 92% of the human-caused mercury that enters Montana’s air each year. The Colstrip plants are responsible for the vast majority of that pollution. Two plants in Montana have agreed to install mercury controls.

[SEE ALSO: Letter to DEQ from MEIC, EarthJustice, and CCE calling for mercury analysis of Highwood plant in light of recent State of NJ vs U.S. EPA ruling — Feb. 27, 2008)]

MEIC tried to persuade the Montana Board of Environmental Review to adopt stringent mercury controls for all coal-fired power plants in the state. Instead the Board adopted a weak rule that doesn't require enforceable reductions in mercury emissions until 2018 and establishes extremely weak limits for plants that burn the dirtiest type of coal — lignite.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

• Cement burdens (4/22/09, Daniel Person, Bozeman Daily Chronicle)  Environmentalists are hailing a new government plan that promises to cut mercury output from cement plants - like the one in Three Forks - by at least 81 percent. . . .
  
• U.S. Supreme Court turns down utilities over mercury emissions (AP, 2/24/09)  The Supreme Court is refusing a request by electric utility companies to step into a case concerning the regulation of mercury emissions from power plants. . . .
  
• Federal Court Strikes Down “Cap and Trade” System for Mercury

IN THE NEWS

EPA Finally Sets Plans for Mercury Limits on Cement Kilns
Years of delay means thousands of pounds of mercury pollution have gone unchecked (March 6, 2008)

"Appeals court rejects Bush administration's mercury emission standards," by John S. Adams, Great Falls Tribune Capitol Bureau (published Feb 9, 2008)

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Mercury links
  
• Montana Sport Fish Consumption Guide (2007, by MT DHHS, FWP, and DEQ)  1.7 MB pdf
  
• Read Fact Sheet on Mercury in Montana
  
• See Fact Sheet on "The Problems with Burning Coal to Generate Electricity"
• See Power Point presentation "Availability of Mercury Measurement and Control Technology" by Institute of Clean Air Companies, Inc.