Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with 17 other attorneys general, municipalities, and environmental authorities, opposed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to roll back mercury emission standards. The group, including officials from several states, Chicago, New York City, and the California Air Resources Board, submitted a formal objection to the proposed changes to the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards Rule, according to the Department of Attorney General.
The 2024 update to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards Rule set nationwide limits on toxic air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants, including mercury, other toxic metals, acid gases, and formaldehyde. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rollback would return these standards to 2012 levels. Attorney General Nessel said, "Weakening clean air protections will force communities living downwind from power plants to breathe mercury and other dangerous pollutants that threaten our health and our environment." The rollback would increase exposure to mercury, which can affect pregnant women and children, and raise risks for developmental, neurological, and chronic health problems. Mercury emissions also affect waterways, impacting commercial and recreational fishing and communities that rely on fishing, as reported by the Department of Attorney General.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is leading a multi-state coalition challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rollback of mercury emissions standards. They argue the change does not properly consider advances in pollution control technology. The coalition includes attorneys general from Arizona, New York, and Washington, as well as the California Air Resources Board and city officials from Chicago and New York City, who submitted joint comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as stated by the Department of Attorney General.
