"Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can affect the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and liver. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to one in 10 women in the U.S. already carry enough mercury in their blood to pose a threat of neurological damage to the fetus."
So, what shall we do about this? Well, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has an idea. Reduce emissions in the state by 90%! This idea is hardly a new one in dealing with toxic emissions, but for some reason the Bush administration (his faux EPA officials) think otherwise. Like what you hear? Read on to get more of this amazing plan by Bush.
Bush likes energy. Bush owned oil companies. So, by all means, he must protect his interests! So, along with the help of the EPA, Bush and Company decided to only reduce emissions by 20% in 2010. Whaa?!
BushGreenwatch has this to say about it: "As expected, EPA announced new rules that would reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants 20 percent by 2010, with a goal of 70 percent reduction by 2018. Environmental health and other groups assert that greater reductions could be achieved much more rapidly, and that EPA's decision will endanger the health of hundreds of thousands of newborn babies."
Yes, and how, Greenwatch? Well, the new plan to do a cap and trade system is a bit stupid. Let grinngingplanet.com explain
So, essentially, there is no incentive to reduce emissions if you are a large corporation. Buy up the smaller company's leftovers! The only reason this option is chosen is for it's friendliness to the economy. But, clean environs shouldn't be cheap--not after all we have done to make it worse. (Love Canal! Woo hoo!) Bush should take some responsibility and get things cleaned up right, not for cheap. So Minnesota has an idea, read on.
- Establish enforceable mercury-reduction targets based on a 90 percent reduction by 2010 and virtual elimination of mercury emissions by 2020.
- Fund research aimed at reducing mercury emissions from taconite production.
- Phase out mercury in consumer products, including motor vehicles.
- Broaden mercury labeling and disposal laws to ensure that products containing mercury are removed from the solid waste stream. [medical waste, etc]
Wait a minute, Bushie boy, if my state can do it...why can't you see it as an option? Oh, crap, that's right. You might have your hand in your girlfriend's back pocket, and she'll break up with you if you pull it out. Make some waves and get the EPA to fess up to their evil deeds! It's time to educate ourselves and make this a real issue. I like to be healthy, and I like others to be healthy. Looks like Bush likes people to be unhealthy, but die rich doing it. Awesome.