Cement kilns are some of the nation's biggest mercury polluters
These huge industrial facilities spew thousands of pounds of mercury and millions of pounds of other toxic air pollutants into our air and water every year. But despite this obvious threat, orders from federal courts, and thousands of public comments from people just like you, the Bush Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did nothing.
It's a new day in Washington, though. The Obama administration, led by EPA chief Lisa Jackson, is turning the tide on corporate polluters and proposing to cut mercury and other toxic pollution like hydrochloric acid and particulate matter from all of the nation's cement kilns.
But the fight isn't over yet. We need to tell the Environmental Protection Agency that we support their plans to cut mercury and other air pollution from cement kilns.
Send EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson an e-mail commending her decision to finally regulate mercury and other pollution from cement kilns. Tell her that you want clean air and clean water, and it's time for corporate polluters to do their part to protect public health and the environment!
Talking Points
Facts about cement kilns and mercury:
- Cement kilns are some of the biggest mercury polluters in the country.
- For over a decade, these big polluters have gotten a free pass to pollute, and it's time they clean up their act.
- There is technology available right now that cement kilns can install to limit mercury, particulate matter, hydrochloric acid and benzene (a known carcinogen) pollution immediately.
- Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that can impair a child's ability to walk, talk, read, write and learn. Mercury also interferes with the brain and nervous system and can affect blood pressure, fertility, can cause memory loss and tremors.
Please go to Earth Justice to send a letter.