Senator Collins is the First Republican Senator to Sign on to Measure that Would Force Full Senate Vote on the Regulations
Senator Collins is the First Republican Senator to Sign on to Measure that Would Force Full Senate Vote on the Regulations
WASHINGTON, DC-- Senator Susan Collins, who has been pressing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to minimize the harmful effects of mercury in the environment, was the first Republican Senator today to sign on to a provision that could overturn the EPA's flawed rule on mercury emissions. Senator Collins has signed on to a Joint Resolution of Disapproval, which would, in effect, overturn the rule. In addition, she signed on to a discharge petition, which would require the full Senate to consider the resolution.
"There is overwhelming and undisputable scientific evidence that the EPA's mercury rule is flawed and should be overturned. Mercury is a toxin that is extremely harmful to children and pregnant women, in particular. Maine's waterways are threatened by emissions from power plants located in other states, yet the EPA's recent rule does little to address this serious problem," said Senator Collins.
"It does not appear that the EPA will, on its own accord, correct this flawed rule. Therefore, I am pursuing legislative remedies to overturn it," she added.
The EPA Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office have investigated the rule and released reports concluding that both the rule and rule-making process were seriously flawed.
At issue are the EPA's proposed regulations regarding mercury and the amount of the toxin that can be legally emitted by power plants. The EPA's rule, which was issued earlier this year, removed mercury from the list of toxic pollutants under the Clean Air Act, therefore, enabling the EPA to devise a more lenient cap and trade mercury program.
Senator Collins has been working to reverse or overturn the EPA's rule. She and Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) met recently with EPA Administrator, Stephen Johnson to discuss their opposition to the rule in its current form. She also coauthored the Clean Power Act, which would require power plans to dramatically reduce mercury emissions.
The Joint Resolution of Disapproval and discharge petition are being led by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). Senator Collins' signature marks the 30th on both measures, which will force the resolution on to the Senate calendar for a vote. Senator Collins was the first Republican to sign on to both the measure and discharge petition.
http://collins.senate.gov/high/record.cfm?id=240426