Concern Over New Mercury Rule Expressed by Chairmen of U.S. Bishops’ Domestic Justice and Pro-Life Activities Committees; Bishops Call it “Troubling”

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new rule that deems it no longer “appropriate and necessary” to regulate mercury and other hazardous air pollutants emitted by power plants. Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities, expressed concern about the potential risks to human life and environmental health.  

 “The proposed change to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule is troubling since it is well-documented that pregnant mothers and their unborn children are the most sensitive to mercury pollution and its adverse health effects,” said Archbishop Nauman. “The MATS rule reflects a proper respect for life of the human person and of God’s creation – a great example of the integral ecology called for in Laudato Si’,” said Bishop Dewane.  

Comments in opposition to the regulations can be found at: https://t.co/1SniZN2BXq?amp=1
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Keywords: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Committee on Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mercury, hazardous air pollutants, power plant emissions, environmental health. Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Laudato Si  
 
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