New Rules to Reduce Airborne Toxins

The Obama administration recently proposed new rules to reduce mercury and other toxic emissions from power plants by 91 percent within the next five years. Congress amended the Clean Air Act in 1990 to control industrial emissions of air pollutants, but coal-fired power plants were exempt until 2000.

Pollutants like lead, chromium, and arsenic can do irreparable damage to the nervous systems of children and fetuses. Additionally, airborne toxins may worsen respiratory illnesses over time. Mercury, in particular, can be hazardous to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Coal plants in the U.S. reportedly emitted over 130,000 pounds of mercury in 2009.

The E.P.A. estimates the annual cost of compliance at $10 billion a year, compared with health benefits from reduced hospital visits and lost time on the job at $100 billion a year. The number of lives saved when the rules are in full effect could surpass 17,000.

The new standards, designed for both coal- and oil-fired power plants, will limit the emissions of 84 different airborne toxins. The new rules are now open for public comment, and are set to be finalized in November.

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