Updated Mercury, Air Toxics Standards Will Protect People, Wildlife

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Newly strengthened mercury and air toxics standards that reduce dangerous pollutants such as mercury, soot, and arsenic will ensure cleaner air and water and protect people and wildlife alike. The new rule, announced by the Environmental Protection Agency, would reduce the emissions of toxic metals by 67 percent from coal-fired plants and 70 percent from lignite-fired plants, which contain more toxins.

"We have long known the deeply harmful effects of mercury and other toxins, particularly to children, seniors, and other vulnerable communities," said Dr. Adrienne Hollis, a toxicologist and vice president for environmental justice, public health, and community resilience and revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation. "The impact of these strengthened standards will be felt in lives saved, particularly for fenceline communities who have long been on the frontlines of damage from these dangerous chemicals. We thank President Biden and the EPA for this important step that will protect people and wildlife."

"Previous standards have resulted in many power plants installing necessary pollution controls that reduced mercury emissions by nearly 90 percent by 2011 - resulting in less toxic mercury in our fish and wildlife, and our food chain. These are successful and popular standards," said Shannon Heyck-Williams, associate vice president of climate and energy for the Federation. "We applaud the Biden Administration's efforts to further restore and update these vital mercury standards."

Mercury and other pollutants are released from coal-powered plants and accumulate in our air and water and can cause neurological and reproductive damage in both people and wildlife. Research has shown that mercury accumulation in fish and wildlife has long-reaching implications across ecosystems, impacting people and species that are not located near coal plants.