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Last year, Gov. Doyle directed the Department of Natural Resources to draft a rule that would reduce mercury emissions from power plants by 90 percent. While this decision was encouraging news, the big question is when.

Over the last year, thousands of citizens, along with dozens of public health advocates and concerned parents have emailed, called or written letters to Gov. Doyle and the Department of Natural Resources calling for a rule to reduce mercury pollution from power plants by 90% by 2012.  The technology to do this is available, proven, and cost effective and other states like Illinois and Minnesota are acting on similar timelines. 

In March, Governor Doyle announced a proposal to reduce mercury emissions. Unfortunately, the proposal does not go far enough or fast enough to protect public health and the environment.  It would give some of the biggest polluters until 2021 – over a decade from now – to reduce mercury emissions at sufficient levels. 

We need to strengthen this proposal before it gets adopted so it protects public health and our environment. 

How You Can Help

Click here to contact the state Department of Natural Resources today to tell them to reduce emissions 90% by 2012.

Summary

Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers and streams are some of our most valuable natural resources. They provide recreational opportunities like fishing and boating, and the comfort and solitude of getting away from it all.  

Unfortunately, mercury pollution is posing a serious health threat and is destroying our ability to enjoy Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers. Mercury is a toxin that can affect the nervous system and is especially dangerous for children. In fact, it is estimated that one in eight women in Wisconsin has enough mercury in her bloodstream to potentially harm a developing child. The largest source of mercury pollution in Wisconsin is coal-fired power plants. Fortunately, we have the technology to reduce mercury emissions from power plants drastically and quickly. We need to get the state to pass a mercury rule that will reduce mercury pollution by 90 percent by 2012.

Why Mercury is a Threat

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can affect the kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Exposure is especially dangerous for children, and women of childbearing age, although it can also be dangerous for adults. Exposure to mercury can cause attention and language deficits, impaired memory, and impaired visual and motor function in children. In adults, mercury exposure can adversely affect fertility and blood pressure regulation and contribute to heart-rate changes and cardiovascular disease. The main avenue of exposure to mercury is through eating fish. Mercury is released into the air from power plants or other industries, and it mixes with rain and snow to enter our lakes and rivers. Once there, much of this mercury is converted to an easily absorbable form by bacteria in the soil and sediment. Then, it works its way up the food chain, becoming more and more concentrated as it progresses, until it is ingested by humans in the form of recreationally or commercially caught fish. The largest source of mercury pollution in Wisconsin is coal-fired power plants, accounting for approximately 65 percent of mercury emissions in the state.

The Problem is Widespread

The Department of Natural Resources has issued a fish consumption advisory for every body of water in the state. This means that children and women of childbearing age are advised to limit their consumption of species like bass and walleye to no more than one meal per month. They are advised to avoid some species, like muskies, altogether because of high levels of mercury contamination. Wisconsinites should not have to worry about health risks when eating fish caught in our lakes and rivers. In 2005, the Department of Health and Family Services conducted a study of mercury levels in Wisconsin residents. They found that 13 percent of women had unsafe levels of mercury in their bloodstreams, enough to put a developing child at risk of learning disabilities and developmental disorders. We have to act now.

We Can Solve This Problem

Technology already exists that would reduce mercury emissions from power plants by 90 percent or more. We are calling on the Governor to direct the Department of Natural Resources to draft a rule that will reduce mercury emissions by 90 percent by 2012. Any rule that acts less quickly or requires a less stringent reduction will unnecessarily sacrifice the public health of Wisconsinites and our environment. Help us make sure that we get the best possible rule to ensure the safety and health of our children and to preserve Wisconsin’s heritage of enjoying our lakes and rivers.