EPA Proposes Stricter Limits on Mercury and Pollution from Coal Power Plants.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new rule that would require coal- and oil-fired power plants to reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including mercury, lead, nickel, and arsenic. The rule aims to eliminate 70% of remaining mercury emissions and reduce other toxic pollutants. The EPA estimates that the health benefits over the lifetime of the rule would be between $2.4 billion and $3 billion, from the prevention of deaths or hospitalizations for respiratory and cardiovascular disease. The rule is expected to face opposition from the coal industry and Republican-led states.