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Joint Resolution on Mercury Rule

Our Position: support
Bill Number: SJRES20
Sponsor: Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
Legislative Session: 2005

In March, 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency issued rules for reducing mercury pollution from power plants. The rule doesn't treat power plants as sources of toxic pollution. Instead, it institutes a pollution trading scheme that allows some facilities to buy their way out of the need to reduce, and delays clean up until 2018 or later. Senators Leahy (D-VT), Collins (R-ME), and Snowe (R-ME) brought a resolution to "disapprove" of the rule under the Congressional Review Act, which allows an up or down vote on the floor of the Senate.

Status

The resolution failed on September 13, 2005 by a vote of 47-51.