The Environmental Protection Agency is tightening rules to limit emissions of mercury and other harmful pollutants from coal-fired power plants. Experts say the move will bring major health improvements to Illinois and other Midwestern states. The rule change would lower emissions of toxic pollutants that can harm brain development in children and contribute to heart disease and respiratory problems in adults. Andy Knott, Beyond Coal campaign central region director for the Sierra Club, said the rule could help persuade Illinois power companies to shut down their coal plants sooner rather than later.
“We’re seeing coal plants retire at record pace across the country,” Knott pointed out. “This is mostly due to the economics of clean energy, and the fact that we can now move in a cost-effective manner to clean energy like wind, solar, and battery storage.”
There are currently 13 coal-fired generators operating across Illinois, making up just over 20% of the state’s power generation. Under a clean-energy law passed by the Illinois Legislature last year, all coal plants in the state must close by 2030. Knott noted Illinois is currently under a statewide fish consumption advisory for mercury. Children and women of childbearing age are asked to avoid certain species of fish which can carry high doses of toxic metal.
“There’s no safe level of mercury exposure,” Knott asserted. “This is why EPA’s action is so significant because coal-fired power plants remain a significant source of mercury emissions across the country.”
In February, the EPA found regulating toxic emissions is necessary to protect public health. Knott explained the current proposal would reverse a Trump administration plan to roll back emissions standards.
“I think this is a continued step in the right direction from the Environmental Protection Agency,” Knott stressed. “There are many other pollutants that the agency needs to address. There are many areas where EPA needs to continue to strengthen health protections.”
