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Our environmental campaign this semester encompasses both state and federal
issues. On the state level, we are concerned about the levels of mercury in
Michigan’s waterways. Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that affects the brain
and nervous systems of unborn babies and young children. Consumption of
mercury-contaminated fish by pregnant women is therefore a very serious
problem. The largest source of mercury in Michigan is emissions from
coal-fired power plants.
Two years ago, Governor Granholm pledged to eliminate mercury pollution from power plants and created a mercury workgroup charged with developing strategies for mercury reductions. The workgroup’s recommendations are scheduled to be released on April 14. Legislation to reduce mercury pollution by 90% by the end of the decade is supposed to follow. Our campaign plan is to support both the Governor and the workgroup, but also hold them accountable to the Governor’s campaign promise to take direct action to reduce mercury pollution in Michigan. |