Help us defend EPA’s landmark mercury rule

Few federal standards have the power to save lives like the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, which was completed by the Obama administration in December 2011.

The new rule would remove substantial amounts of toxic mercury from coal-burning power plants out of our air, water and food — along with limiting arsenic, chromium, nickel and toxic acids.

Limiting these toxics saves lives. Yet, on Feb, 16, 2012, these critical rules were challenged in court by top polluters. Briefs have been filed in the case, and we're waiting to hear what the court decides. 

But EDF and its allies are fighting to keep the law protected, and we need your help.

Why the EPA's new rule is worth fighting for

When implemented, MATS will:

1. Improve children's health

   More than 400,000 infants are born annually with elevated mercury levels in their blood, which can damage developing brains. The new MATS standards will eliminate 90% of mercury emitted from coal-fired power plants.

   A mother's take on the EPA mercury limits

2. Lead to fewer premature deaths

   The emission reductions in this rule will result in up to 11,000 fewer premature deaths each year.

3. Cut rates of chronic disease

   The new rule will prevent thousands of heart attacks, bronchitis cases and asthma attacks.

4. Save money

   A projected 540,000 fewer missed work or "sick days" and less frequent trips to emergency rooms will save as much as $90 billion a year.

The fight continues

These substantial benefits are why EDF, along with a coalition of 21 states, three cities, 19 medical, environmental and civil rights organizations and a number of energy companies, are filing briefs with the U.S. Court of Appeals to support MATS.

We need your continued support to fight back and save our clean air.