EPA Announces Release of National Standards for Power Plant Emissions

In late December, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson announced the release of the “first-ever national standards to protect American families from power plant emissions of mercury and toxic air pollution.”  Importantly, Jackson also pointed out that, “The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards will protect millions of families and children from harmful and costly air pollution and provide the American people with health benefits that far outweigh the costs of compliance."  And from the American Lung Association (ALA), “Since toxic air pollution from power plants can make people sick and cut lives short, the new Mercury and Air Toxics Standards are a huge victory for public health,” said Albert A. Rizzo, MD, National Volunteer Chair of the ALA, and pulmonary and critical care physician in Newark, Delaware. More...