People and the environment must be protected from hazardous toxins (mercury, arsenic, acid gases, etc.) spewing from dirty power plant smokestacks, polluting the air we all breathe.

I hope that Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe will oppose and stop the attempt by Sen. James Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, to block the new Mercury and Air Toxics Standard, using the obscure Congressional Review Act.

We desperately need these new Environmental Protection Agency standards, which cut mercury emissions by 90 percent, and greatly reduce other toxic air pollutants.

Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that injures children’s developing brains. Mercury damages the thyroid. Up to 40 percent of adults suffer from hypothyroidism (slow thyroid). Is widespread thyroid damage another cause of the 66 percent obesity epidemic?

Doctors, nurses, scientists and public health professionals say the new MATS air pollution standard will save lives and prevent illnesses. The EPA says it will save 11,000 lives every year, prevent 130,000 children’s asthma attacks and prevent 4,700 heart attacks.

Mercury accumulates in the environment. It does not go away.

Preserving these new clean air safeguards is a critical first step.

Carole Kleinfelder

Jefferson


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.