FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 2, 2011
Contact: Maggie Kao, 202-675-2384
EPA unveils revised protections against Toxic Mercury from Boilers
Washington, DC – Today the Environmental Protection Agency proposed its long-awaited toxic pollution protections for boilers and some incinerators.
In response, Michael Brune, Sierra Club Executive Director, issued the following statement:
“Dirty boilers and their toxic pollution are making Americans sick, and we’re encouraged that long overdue protections that could save lives, improve the health of thousands and create thousands of jobs are finally on the books.
“In response to industry pressure, however, EPA today announced it would further delay the long-awaited protections against air toxics from industrial boilers and waste incinerators announced by the Agency last March. That decision leaves Americans exposed to life-threatening pollutants such as toxic mercury, arsenic and dioxins.
“But corporate polluters will not be content with weakening this important protection from air toxics, and we know they will continue to push their agenda to roll back and even block public health protections and clean air standards.
“We urge EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to forge ahead with the strongest possible public health protections to save lives, prevent billions of dollars in unnecessary health costs, and put thousands of Americans back to work.”
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