Environmental Protection Agency hearings today in Philadelphia and Chicago drew crowds of clean air advocates—including a man who described the “smell of death” from a coal-fired power plant in his town.

The hearings are focused on a proposal to clean up mercury and other toxic pollution from coal-fired power plants, our nation’s worst polluters. While these citizens are on hand delivering messages to the EPA in person, you can add your voice by sending a public comment via email.

Earthjustice staff are at the Philadelphia hearing to testify and hear citizens who want cleaner air and healthier communities. One such citizen is Sarah Bucic of the Delaware Nurses Association, who was also a Clean Air Ambassador at the 50 States United for Healthy Air event held in Washington, D.C. this month. Sarah expressed concern about the impact of toxic air pollution on children’s health: “Mothers should not have to worry if their air and water is safe or if their own breast milk contains toxicants,” she said.

Ed, a fisherman from St. College, PA, told the EPA staff on hand that his favorite stream in the state is the Susquehanna, but he can’t eat the fish he catches because mercury levels are too high. It pains him to explain this to his young nephew when they go fishing.

One citizen held up a picture of his church, which sits in the shadow of a large coal-fired power plant. Ever since the coal plant came to town, he said, the odor of “death” has been preying on the local community. He told the the EPA to fight for people, not polluters.

We’ll have more stories as the day goes on. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook. And most importantly, tell the EPA how you feel.