"W. Va. Among Worst for Mercury Pollution"

"A new study ranks West Virginia fourth in mercury pollution, a chemical closely tied to a number of health risks.

According to the findings in the report, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia are responsible for more than 35 percent of all power plant- based mercury pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency is set to propose stricter standards for various air pollutants by March and finalize them by November. ...

"America's parents do everything they can to protect their children's health; now it's time for the EPA to do its part," Vinyard said. "Congress should stand up for America's families, and support the efforts of the EPA."

The report, entitled "Dirty Energy's Assault on our Health: Mercury" comes from Environment America, a federation of state-based environmental advocacy organizations."

Taylor Kuykendall reports for the Associated Press January 27, 2011.