Conservation Law Foundation Statement on EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS)

New Standards Saves Lives, Improve Health While Keeping the Lights On

CONTACT: Karen Wood, CLF: (617) 850-1722

BOSTON, MA December 21, 2011 – In response to the EPA’s announcement today on Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) issued the following statement from Jonathan Peress, VP and director of Clean Energy and Climate Change:

“The long overdue Mercury and Air Toxics Standards announced today by EPA amount to one of the most significant public health and environmental measures in years,” said Jonathan Peress, VP and director of Clean Energy and Climate Change at Conservation Law Foundation. “By limiting the amount of mercury, arsenic, lead, acid gases and other toxic pollutants emitted by antiquated power plants, these standards will provide immediate health benefits to everyone, particularly the most vulnerable among us, and prevent the thousands of premature deaths attributed to these power plants annually.”

“It is no surprise that the average age of the plants impacted by the new rules is 51 years.  In New England and other areas of the country with competitive power markets, we are already seeing a technology transition as these aging plants, confronted with market realities, are no longer able to compete and make money. These old, obsolete plants will now be faced with a tough decision: whether to invest in modern pollution controls or plan for retirement. In the meantime, we are proving here that this transition can happen and keep the lights on with the appropriate planning at the regional level.

“From our experience with stringent state standards in Massachusetts and Connecticut, we know the substantial benefits to public health and the environment that will result from these rules.  We are relieved to see the country begin its march toward a coal-free future as we are continuing to do in New England.”

The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) protects New England’s environment for the benefit of all people. Using the law, science and the market, CLF creates solutions that preserve natural resources, build healthy communities, and sustain a vibrant economy region-wide. Founded in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

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