"The moves sets the stage for the agency to issue tighter controls on mercury, a neurotoxin emitted by power plants."
"WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Friday restored the legal foundation of an Obama-era regulation governing mercury, a pollutant from power plants that can damage brain development in babies and cause heart disease in adults.
The regulation had been stripped away by the Trump administration. Its revival paves the way for the federal government to set even stricter controls on mercury emissions, something the Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden is expected to do.
“For years, mercury and air toxics standards have protected the health of American communities nationwide, especially children, low-income communities, and communities of color who often and unjustly live near power plants,” E.P.A. Administrator Michael S. Regan said. “This finding ensures the continuation of these critical, lifesaving protections while advancing President Biden’s commitment to making science-based decisions and protecting the health and well-being of all people and all communities.”
Mr. Regan did not say if or when the E.P.A. will publish a stronger mercury regulation, although the agency has already begun the legal process required for reviewing and updating the current standard."
Coral Davenport reports for the New York Times February 17, 2023.
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