2011.05.24 Press Release
Michigan Residents Board "Bus for Clean Air," Testify at EPA Hearing in Chicago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Leigh Fifelski
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 (248) 321.4579
Michigan Residents Board "Bus for Clean Air," Testify at EPA Hearing in Chicago
Demand protection from toxic mercury, arsenic, lead
Chicago – Residents from across Michigan boarded the "Bus for Clean Air" to Chicago this morning to speak in support of the first national air quality standards to protect people against mercury, arsenic and lead.
"Mercury from coal plants is a toxic threat to every person living and breathing in the United States," said Tiffany Hartung of Michigan Sierra Club. "Right now, there are no national limits on how much of this poison power plants can spew into the air, and it's time for that to change."
In March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed new rules that would ultimately reduce mercury emissions by over 90%, a monumental step forward in protecting public health and air quality.
"We all deserve to have clean air and water. We should all be able to breathe, eat, swim and live without fear of the negative impacts of toxics emitted by coal plants," said Pam Ortner, RNof Madison Heights.. "Mercury affects us at every stage of our lives, from childhood to adulthood and even in the womb. It can cause neurological and developmental problems like learning disabilities, and it stays in our bodies forever."
Residents from Detroit, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Holland,Grand Rapids and Cheboygan areas made the trip to speak in support of national mercury standards at a time when Michigan has been found to be particularly vulnerable to the pollution from coal-fired power plants. An Environment Michigan report found that coal-fired power plants in our state emitted
4,012 pounds of toxic mercury pollution in 2009. For most Michiganders that’s 4,000 pounds
too many.
Toxic mercury enters our Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes and the 36,000 miles of river contained within our borders, contaminating the waters and the fish populating them. Anyone who eats fish is at risk for health problems associated with mercury pollution, leading to fish advisories and consumption limits.
“Safeguarding our natural resources is important to those of us Michiganders who hunt, fish and spend time in the woods and on the waters, but it is also a wise investment in our economic future. Reducing mercury and air toxics will help protect our long standing investment in our outdoor heritage,” said Brenda Archambo, an angler from Cheboygan.
"It's time for Big Coal to stop putting their profits ahead of our children's health," said Susan Harley of Clean Water Action. "Mercury limits will save us money on health care costs, create jobs installing clean-air technology and allow us all to enjoy our waters and their bounty with far fewer worries."
###