Saying that mercury poses a major threat to the health of Minnesotans and the environment, Governor Pawlenty today called for legislation to reduce mercury emissions from power plants by 90% in a timeframe ahead of federal clean air requirements.

In a letter to Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Sheryl Corrigan, Governor Pawlenty said that legislation should require electric utilities that operate the largest coal-fired facilities in the state to submit their mercury reductions plans to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Those plans would include the cost of implementation so that the PUC can protect Minnesota rate-payers while allowing for recovery of the costs incurred by the utilities.

"While most mercury emissions deposited in our state come from outside our borders, Minnesota has made significant progress on mercury reductions," Governor Pawlenty said. "In the past 15 years, total annual mercury emissions declined 72%.  That is important progress and I congratulate all those who helped make that happen, but now we need to do more."

Governor Pawlenty cited the 93% mercury reduction goal proposed by Commissioner Corrigan through the regional mercury total maximum daily load (TMDL) as a great step toward addressing this problem.

"I share Commissioner Corrigan's concern that the TMDL plan and related process has become mired in divergent opinions, misperceptions, and competing interests. The TMDL also faces the likelihood of litigation which will cause further delay," Governor Pawlenty said.  "Given those dynamics, the best way to proceed is to move boldly and decisively to resolve this issue by passing legislation this session."

"Our agency will work hard to advance the Governor's goal and, with other members of our administration, will work with stakeholders to pass this legislation," PCA Commissioner Sheryl Corrigan said.