Attorneys General Oppose Effort to Kill Cement Kiln Rules
AGs support EPA rules that would save up to 2,500 premature deaths
Contacts
Jim Pew, Earthjustice, (202) 667-4500, ext. 214
New York Attorney General Eric. T. Schneiderman and attorneys general from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and Massachusetts called on the U.S. House of Representatives leadership today to oppose efforts to undo important limits on mercury and other toxic air pollution from cement plants. The attorneys general detail their opposition to House Joint Resolution No. 9 in a letter to Rep. Fred Upton, Chairman, House Energy & Commerce Committee. H.J. Res. 9, introduced by Rep. John Carter (R-TX), would block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new requirement that cement plants control their emissions of mercury and other toxic air pollutants. The states’ letter notes that, when the control requirements take effect in 2013, they will cut cement plants’ mercury emissions by 92 percent, prevent up to 2,500 premature deaths every year, and yield up to $18 billion in health benefits. The resolution was referred to Chairman Upton’s committee on Feb. 1.
The following statement is from Jim Pew, Earthjustice attorney:
“These states have added their voice to the outpouring of support for the EPA’s controls on cement plants’ toxic pollution. Putting these common-sense measures into effect will save lives, protect health, and generate jobs.”
Read the attorneys general letter to Rep. Upton on H.J.Res.9.
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