CORE - Citizens Organizing for Resources and Environment

From Paula Brennecke of Citizens Organizing for Resources and Environment "For those of you who are concerned about a cement plant near Whitewright, TX visit NRDC's Action Center"

Join NRDC and help protect the planet's wildlife and wild places. Explore
Subscribe to NRDC Online, our monthly newsletter, for news you can use

Tell the EPA to reduce toxic pollution from the nation's cement plants

In a departure from past inaction on pollution from cement plants, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed strong new standards to reduce emissions of mercury and other toxic pollutants from these industrial facilities. Mercury is particularly harmful to babies and young children: prenatal exposure to even low doses of mercury is associated with childhood deficits in IQ, attention span and physical coordination. Even tiny amounts of mercury can pollute water bodies and contaminate fish we later eat.

The EPA's proposed rule is projected to reduce mercury emissions from cement plants by 81-93 percent, representing anywhere between 11,600 and 16,250 pounds of mercury per year. It also would lead to reductions in emissions of hydrochloric acid gas, which irritates the lungs and can trigger asthma attacks; particulate matter, which can lead to premature death and respiratory ailments; and other toxic pollutants such as benzene, lead and arsenic. The EPA is accepting public comments on its proposed rule through September 4th.