US bishops welcome new EPA standards on mercury, air pollutants
December 22, 2011
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has welcomed new air pollution standards issued by the Environmental Protection Agency that will reduce the amount of mercury and other pollutants emitted by power plants that use coal and oil.
“A new national standard to reduce mercury and toxic air pollution from power plants is an important step forward to protect the health of all people, especially unborn babies and young children, from harmful exposure to dangerous air pollutants,” said Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. “The bishops welcome this important move by the Administration to adopt long-awaited standards to reduce hazardous air pollution and protect children’s health.”
“Children, inside and outside the womb, are uniquely vulnerable to environmental hazards and exposure to toxic pollutants in the environment,” he added.
The new EPA rules, it is conservatively estimated, will cost the American economy at least $10 billion.
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Further information:
- Bishops Welcome New Mercury and Air Toxics Standards to Protect Human Life and God’s Creation (USCCB)
- Environmental Protection Agency issues new regulation on mercury i>(Washington Post)
- USCCB welcomes proposed EPA air pollution standards (CWN, 6/27)
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Posted by: unum -
Dec. 23, 2011 8:22 AM ET USA
Once again our bishops wander outside of their competence to give us some California progressive support for the EPA, which is following an Obama administration edict to drive the cost of electricity through the roof. It is hard to comprehend the bishops' support for an EPA and a President who says, "... under my plan of a cap-and-trade system ... Electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket.” The negative effects on job growth and family budgets are truly scary.
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Posted by: faithofthefathers8533 -
Dec. 22, 2011 7:54 PM ET USA
I find it strange that the same EPA that is placing new restrictions on coal and oil fired power plants, has no problems with people having mercury containing CFL's (compact fluorescent lightbulbs). They, the EPA even have guidelines for the safe disposal of used CFL's, and guidelines for cleanup of broken CFL's in the home. Why would they need guidelines if they are safe? http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_lighting/ask_us/downloads/cfl_cleanup_and_disposal.pdf
