Our Legacy of Victory
Statewide Mercury Emission Standards
Clean Wisconsin catalyzed the effort to establish nation-leading emission standards for coal-fired power plants in 2004. As an organization, Clean Wisconsin drafted a petition to the DNR calling for emission reductions, and, with the help of public support, achieved a major reduction in emissions. The new standards slashed Wisconsin’s mercury emissions by an estimated 40% which helped protect our waterways and wildlife.
Efforts to establish stronger mercury emissions standards began in the late 1990s, but gained momentum in May 2000 after Clean Wisconsin filed a legal petition to the Natural Resources Board and Department of Natural Resources asking the state to use existing authorities to regulate emissions that impacted air and water quality. Clean Wisconsin staff wrote and researched the petition before going on to secure 26 co-petitioners, including fishing groups, a bipartisan group of legislators, resort owners, health professionals and concerned citizens. Staff also participated in the DNR’s Citizen Advisory Committee for rule making and coordinated with the governor’s office and DNR on the rule’s final language.
The standards that were enacted and largely shaped by Clean Wisconsin went on to influence the adoption of similar rules at the national level.
Why It Matters
Reducing mercury pollution from Wisconsin power plants gave Wisconsin a needed reprieve from the harmful health impacts of coal-burning facilities. Exposure to mercury hurts people who live close to coal plants and breathe in the toxic air. Prenatal and early childhood exposure is known to cause serious harm including birth defects, permanent neurological issues and developmental problems. Because mercury can build up in our waterways, it also puts people who regularly rely on fish to eat at risk.
