Make Mercury Pollution a Thing of the Past
- by: Oceana
- recipient: U.S. Senate
Mercury levels in our oceans are increasing. Women of childbearing age and children are especially vulnerable to the serious health threats posed by mercury-contaminated seafood.
But the technology to reduce mercury emissions has been around for decades. More than a hundred chlorine plants have already made the switch to newer, cleaner, energy-efficient technology. Then why are there still a few of these plants that release hundreds of pounds of mercury each year?
It's time to bring the last outdated plants into the 21st century! The dangerous mercury pollution that these antique plants release is fouling our oceans, threatening public health, and harming wildlife, including tuna, whales, swordfish and polar bears.
The Mercury Pollution Reduction Act will ensure that all chlorine plants use new, mercury-free technology. It'll protect our oceans and wildlife, promote clean-energy, and help make our seafood safe. Tell your Senators mercury pollution from chlorine plants can -- and should -- be a thing of the past.
Dear [Decision-Maker],
I am writing to ask you to sign on as a co-sponsor of S. 1428, the Mercury Pollution Reduction Act. I am concerned that people and wildlife are being exposed to excessive levels of mercury in seafood. The Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have advised women of childbearing age and children not to eat certain types of fish due to high levels of mercury.
[Your comment will be inserted here]
In order to reduce mercury pollution, outdated chlor-alkali plants should switch to modern, mercury-free technology. Most US chlorine is already made using this cleaner technology, which doesn't release any mercury into our air or water. The remaining four plants need to step into the 21st century!
I hope you will co-sponsor and support S. 1428, the Mercury Pollution Reduction Act, and make sure that all of America's chlorine is made with mercury-free technology!
