GLENS FALLS -- The cement industry has won its first round in an attempt to stop the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from putting in place a new regulation aimed at reducing mercury emissions.
The U.S. House of Representatives late Thursday voted to pass an amendment to suspend EPA funding for implementation and enforcement of the rule that management of the local Lehigh Northeast Cement plant says would force it to spend millions dollars in plant improvements at a tough time in the economy.
U.S. Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, voted against the amendment.
"I remain concerned that allowing increased mercury emissions to pollute our region will have long-term implications not only for public health, but also for a healthy tourism industry. This industry relies on a clean environment to encourage the hunting, fishing, skiing and other outdoor activities upstate New Yorkers enjoy," Owens said in a statement.
Mercury is an element found in air, water and soil, and people are most often exposed to it when they eat fish or shellfish that contain it, according to the EPA.
High levels of mercury in the bloodstream of unborn babies and young children may harm the developing nervous system.
House defeats EPA mercury requirement that would affect cement companies
The U.S. House of Representatives late Thursday voted to pass an amendment to suspend EPA funding for implementation and enforcement of the rule that management of the local Lehigh Northeast Cement plant says would force it to spend millions dollars in plant improvements at a tough time in the economy.
U.S. Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, voted against the amendment.
"I remain concerned that allowing increased mercury emissions to pollute our region will have long-term implications not only for public health, but also for a healthy tourism industry. This industry relies on a clean environment to encourage the hunting, fishing, skiing and other outdoor activities upstate New Yorkers enjoy," Owens said in a statement.
Mercury is an element found in air, water and soil, and people are most often exposed to it when they eat fish or shellfish that contain it, according to the EPA.
High levels of mercury in the bloodstream of unborn babies and young children may harm the developing nervous system.
House defeats EPA mercury requirement that would affect cement companies