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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Down But Not Out: EPA's Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

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Tuesday, June 30, 2015   

SEATTLE – The EPA was handed a setback by the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday.

The justices voted five to four that before the agency put a new rule into effect to control toxic pollution from power plants, it should have considered the cost to industry to comply with it.

The decision doesn't reverse the rule, but it could mean a delay in some plants reducing their emissions of mercury and other toxins.

Attorney Jim Pew, who worked on the case at the law firm Earthjustice, says the case was about the complex rule-making process – but the underlying issue is simple.

"Do we want to control the toxic pollution from the very 'worst of the worst' polluters in this country?" he asks. "We know it is killing thousands of people every year, and contaminating lakes and rivers in every single state in the country."

The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule covers airborne pollutants that affect people with breathing problems, and some water pollution. Washington has statewide fish consumption warnings in effect for high mercury content, and the EPA says power plants are the major source of mercury.

The EPA estimates between 4,000 and 11,000 premature deaths would be prevented nationwide with the MATS rule in effect, but the energy industry told the court compliance would cost almost $10 billion per year.

Carrie Nyssen, vice president for advocacy and air quality for the American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific, says it's a frequent, and unfortunate, comparison.

"In today's political environment, that is a constant battle that we have," she says. "Human health versus the cost of business. While it's a setback, we've had cleanup that has begun in 40 states."

The case goes back to a lower court to determine how the EPA should factor in costs to the energy industry.

In the Pacific Northwest, plans to close two coal-fired power plants are already on track. Opponents of the MATS rule have said it will result in lost jobs and less power-generating capacity if energy companies decide to close more plants, rather than comply with the new standards.


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The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

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Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

Social Issues

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Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


The U.S. teaching workforce remains primarily white while the percentage of Black teachers has declined. However, the percentage of Asian and Latinx teachers is rising.(WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobestock)

Social Issues

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Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage. Around 37% of schools nationwide …

Environment

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New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Social Issues

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Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Social Issues

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Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

 

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