Committee Moves Legislation to Reduce Mercury Emissions

Senate Bill 1201 represents "common sense" approach to tackling pollution

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today (June 13) moved a "common sense" bill intended to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, according to Senator Don White, R-41st District, and a member of the committee.

"This is an issue of serious concern that could dramatically impact the economic well-being of our community," said Senator White. "The Department of Environmental Protection has been pushing for a series of overly-restrictive and unnecessary regulations that, if enacted, could have a serious impact on the power plants of our area and potentially affect the jobs and livelihoods of the families in our communities."

Under Senate Bill 1201, Pennsylvania coal-fired power plants will be required to reduce mercury emissions by 86 percent no later than 2018.  In March 2005, the United States became the first nation in the world to regulate mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.  States have until November 2006 to indicate to the federal government how they intend to implement the mercury emission reduction rule.

"SB 1201 is a common sense bill," Senator White said. "It sets a realistic time table and practical guidelines for reducing emissions. This plan will improve the environment by reducing emissions, without placing an unnecessary burden on industry."

The legislation approved by the Committee:

• Requires mercury emission reductions of 86 percent over 1999 emission rates, and 94 percent as measured from the coal content;

• Maximizes the co-benefits to be achieved under the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR);

• Utilizes an emission allowance cap and trade program, providing incentives for power plants to comply earlier and achieve greater emission reductions; and,

• Enjoys the support of a broad coalition of business, coal and labor associations