Mercury is a known neurotoxin that is particularly damaging to fetuses (exposed through their mothers) and young children. The main path of exposure for humans is eating fish with high levels of mercury. Nationally, one in eight women of childbearing age has high mercury levels. In North Carolina all waters east of I-85 are under fish advisories for mercury, and there is now a statewide adisory for large mouth bass.  North Carolina's 14 coal-fired power plants account for 70% of mercury emissions.

North Carolina has the opportunity to adopt stronger mercury reduction rules but so far the State has not stepped up to the plate. The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC), the appointed state rulemaking body, has proposed a weak mercury rule. The proposed state rule requires no further reductions beyond the Clean Smokestacks Act until after 2013, and with any further reductions to be determined after that date. Environmental advocates argue the technology is available to achieve a 90% reduction by 2010 or sooner. A national association of state and local air pollution control officials has called for 90% reductions by 2012.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE BACKGROUND INFORMATION.

The choice is clear: we can protect public health and our children’s future; or we can allow power plants to delay further mercury reductions for years to come. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

• The state is seeking public comments on this issue, click here to submit yours now!
• Attend an upcoming public hearing in Charlotte, Raleigh or Winterville and ask for stronger reductions in NC's mercury emissions.

Public hearings on are being held across NC providing an opportunity for citizens to speak out about North Carolina’s mercury problem. We need folks to attend and ask for a 90% reduction in mercury emissions from North Carolina’s power plants and preserve our state’s tradition of protecting public health.  You probably have a story to tell as a concerned citizen, parent, fisherman, health professional, etc.  The state of North Carolina needs to hear from you! CLICK HERE FOR TALKING POINTS.

Charlotte Public Hearing on NC's Proposed Mercury Controls

May 25, 2006 7pm
Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center
Chamber Room CH-14
600 East 4th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Click here for more information or to attend the Charlotte hearing.

Raleigh Public Hearing on NC's Proposed Mercury Controls

June 1, 2006 7pm
The Archdale Building
Ground Floor Hearing Room
512 N. Salisbury St
Raleigh, NC 27604
Click here for more information or to attend the Raleigh hearing.

Winterville Public Hearing on NC's Proposed Mercury Controls

June 8, 2006 7pm
Pitt Community College
Lessie Building, Room 143
1986 Pitt Tech Road
Winterville, NC 28590
Click here for more information or to attend the Winterville public hearing.