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EPA Supplements Proposal to Reduce Power Plant Mercury Emissions
Release Date: 02/24/2004
Contact Information:
Contact: John Millett, 202-564-7842/ millett.john@epa.gov
02/24/2004 - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a supplement to its proposed Utility Mercury Reductions rule. The supplement provides rule language for a model cap-and-trade approach that will reduce mercury emissions by 70 percent when fully implemented. In 2018, the second phase of the mercury program sets a cap of 15 tons. The program includes a banking provision that allows for early reductions, as early as 2010, (benefitting health and the environment) and a later date when the cap will be achieved. The Utility Mercury Reductions Rule would permanently cap emissions from coal-fired power plants. EPA also proposes requirements for monitoring and reporting mercury emissions from power plants in states choosing to adopt the cap-and-trade program.
EPA will take public comments on the supplemental mercury proposal for 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. During that time, EPA will hold a public hearing to solicit comments on this proposal; the date and location of the hearing is yet to be determined.
EPA is preparing to hold three public hearings to receive comments on the proposed Utility Mercury Reductions Rule and Interstate Air Quality Rule, separate, but closely related proposals. These hearings will be held concurrently in Chicago, IL, Philadelphia, PA, and Research Triangle Park, NC on February 25 & 26, 2004.
For more information on the Utility Mercury Reductions Rule and updates on the hearing status, visit:https://www.epa.gov/mercury .
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