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Illinois Coalition for Balanced Energy Policy Support mercury emissions reductions according to the USEPA’s nationwide regulations … and oppose the state’s unrealistic proposal
A proposal to regulate mercury emissions in Illinois is currently under consideration by the Illinois Pollution Control Board, whose decisions will be reviewed by a committee of state legislators (Joint Committee on Administrative Rules). This proposal would radically exceed USEPA regulations already in place to reduce mercury emissions across the nation. The USEPA regulations offer the best, most sensible path to significantly reducing mercury emissions in Illinois. The USEPA guidelines are balanced, reasonable and based on what’s feasible given the current state of emissions-control technology. These first-ever mercury regulations call for drastic cuts in mercury emissions nationwide—80 percent in Illinois. The state’s proposal, on the other hand, is based on an overstatement of what’s technologically possible and an understatement of the costs. Adoption of this plan will jeopardize the state’s supply of reliable, affordable electricity—without delivering health benefits beyond what the federal regulations will provide. Current technology cannot guarantee 90 percent mercury reduction at Illinois power plants. Illinois’ power producers are preparing to invest millions of dollars to reduce mercury emissions. To complement these efforts, it is critical that the state proceed with a thoughtful emissions control plan based on proven science and available technology—precisely what is outlined in the federal Clean Air Mercury Rule. Otherwise, Illinois communities and union workers face potential job losses and shutdowns of generating units that are vital components of our state’s electric power grid. The Illinois Coalition for Balanced Energy Policy, which includes Illinois business, labor and energy organizations, supports the sound federal plan to reduce mercury emissions and opposes the state’s unrealistic proposal. Click here to help ensure that mercury emissions are significantly reduced in Illinois in a balanced, effective way that protects jobs and the reliability of our electricity supply.
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