Ban Mercury from the Last Four Chlorine Plants Nationwide Still Relying On It!
When released to the environment, mercury ends up in our oceans, contaminating seafood. Humans and other creatures exposed to high levels of mercury in fish can experience serious health effects. Some chlorine plants emit four times as much mercury as the average power plant. Across the country, only four polluting chlorine plants have yet to agree to switch to mercury free technology. That's four too many! What's more, recent studies suggest that many animals are affected by mercury pollution, from songbirds to polar bears. And this mercury use is completely unnecessary; these animals - like our oceans - are suffering needlessly! New legislation called the Missing Mercury in Manufacturing Monitoring and Mitigation Act (HR 5580) would require all chlorine companies to switch to mercury-free technology by 2012. Sign the petition and urge your Representative to co-sponsor HR 5580.
Dear [Decision maker],
In 2005, when Oceana first set its sights on stopping chlorine companies from releasing mercury into our environment, nine chlorine plants were using outdated, mercury-polluting technology.
Today, only four of the nine plants still have not made the switch to mercury-free technology.
Mercury pollution is a big problem in the U.S. Each of these plants emits four times the amount of mercury emitted by the average power plant.
Representative Jan Schakowsky has introduced legislation that would require chlorine companies to switch to mercury-free technology by 2012. I support the Missing Mercury in Manufacturing Monitoring and Mitigation Act (HR 5580) and respectfully ask you to co-sponsor the bill today.
[Your comment here]
In addition to benefiting the environment and public health, mercury-free technology can be good for business. Operating a modern chlorine manufacturing plant is less expensive because of energy efficiency and other savings.
Thank you for your time, and for co-sponsoring HR 5580.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
