Wisconsin lawmakers block mercury emission rules
Wisconsin lawmakers want big changes in a plan to force utilities to dramatically reduce mercury emissions.
The Republican-controlled Assembly Natural Resources committee voted 7-6 to send the regulations back to state pollution officials for revisions. The committee wants the agency to wipe out provisions calling for reductions in other pollutants and produce a study on the rules' economic impact.
The Department of Natural Resources adopted rules this summer requiring utilities to cut mercury emissions by 90 percent by 2015. Utilities can extend that deadline to 2021 if they achieve significant reductions in other pollutants as well as mercury.
Businesses have complained the rule will drive up electric bills as utilities purchase technology to comply. DNR officials say it result in lower health costs.
