Strengthening Mercury Standards Is An EPA Must

By Samantha Grimes, June 20, 2023

We have an obligation to protect our planet and ensure that every individual has access to clean air and water.

We have an obligation to protect our planet and ensure that every individual has access to clean air and water. Since its introduction in 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (MATS) has had the critical aim to reduce the release of harmful air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants, which pose a significant threat to Wisconsinites.

While it has shown success since its inception, the current standard is insufficient to fully protect the health and wellbeing of our communities as we move into the future, particularly those that have been historically marginalized and disproportionately impacted by air pollution. This is why we should all support the EPA's reconsideration of MATS to establish even stronger limits on harmful pollutants such as heavy metals and acid gases.

The original standard provided much needed regulation on mercury, lead, hydrochloric acid, and other toxins released from these plants – some being known to cause cancer. Compared to pre-regulation levels, mercury emissions dropped by 90%. With the advancement in technology over the last decade, an update is welcome to provide the best, most efficient and effective protections for the American people.

By setting stronger limits on emissions, we can reduce the risk of serious health problems, like respiratory diseases, heart disease, and neurological damage, which are associated with exposure to toxic air pollutants. The proposed update will protect 69 Wisconsinites, annually, from prematurely dying due to coal-fired power plant emissions moving across the country, with 19 of those deaths being caused directly from Wisconsin’s plants. Additionally, we can work towards addressing environmental injustices that disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color, who are more likely to live near power plants and suffer the negative health consequences.

This is why the EPA needs to strengthen the Mercury and Air Toxics Standard and establish the strongest possible safeguards on coal- and oil-fired power plants to ensure adequate protection of public health and the environment. Research also shows that public opinion can – and does – influence decisions made by government agencies! Take action right now by sending your comments to President Biden and EPA Administrator Michael Regan on how an updated MATS will benefit you and your community.

Change The Chamber is a bipartisan coalition of over 100 student groups, including undergraduates, graduate students and recent graduates.