This loophole should be closed. More important than trans-fats or any of the other stupid legislation being developed locally, state-wide, and on the federal level. Good for Senator Obama (now, that's probably the first time I've said that, ever) for suggesting we restrict export.
Exported mercury returns to haunt U.S.
Recycled toxin goes overseas, but ends up in atmosphere
Tons of toxic mercury from U.S. recycling programs are funneled each year to loosely regulated industries in developing countries, where much of the hazardous metal is released into the atmosphere.
..But as policymakers become more aware of the dangers of mercury exposure, particularly for young children and women of childbearing age, they are focusing more attention on curbing sources of mercury pollution. Last month, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) introduced legislation that would bar American mercury exports.
“This is a problem that is impacted by things happening all over the world,” Obama said in a recent interview. “But we can make an enormous difference.”
...Another major source of mercury emissions is the chlorine industry. Although most U.S. chlorine plants now use technology that does not require mercury, the others on average release five times as much mercury into the atmosphere as the average coal-fired power plant.Obama said he introduced the bills that would ban exports and force the remaining chlorine plants to close or switch methods in response to a Tribune series last year that documented the health risks posed by mercury-contaminated fish.
“We know there is a cost-effective alternative,” he said. “It sets the stage for us to tackle the more important issue of attacking emissions from coal-fired power plants.”
Neither bill is likely to pass this year. Obama said he introduced them now to draw more attention to mercury-related problems and to pressure the EPA and other agencies to act.
He acknowledged that questions remain about what to do with the excess mercury. Chlorine plants that already have closed or switched methods have sold their supplies to similar operations in other countries, some of which have few if any environmental regulations.
“Some of that mercury is polluting the same parts of the world where we get most of our seafood,” said Jackie Savitz, campaign director for Oceana, an environmental group that has been pressuring U.S. firms to use mercury-free technology.
mmmm, Chilean mercury bass is delicious.
Tags: Barrack_Obama, /environment, /mercury
