Clean air and clean water are what make New Hampshire a special place to live, work, and raise a family. Over twenty years ago, the Granite State set the national stage to protect lakes and streams from the pollutants that cause acid rain. However, today mercury and carbon dioxide, a global warming gas, continue to billow unregulated from coal-fired power plants in our state. New Hampshire should join other states in setting a national agenda to clean up mercury and carbon dioxide pollution by strengthening Senate Bill 128.

Mercury is a toxin that accumulates in fish and has been proven to cause harm to fetuses and small children such as attention deficit disorders and symptoms of Autism. Mercury interferes with children's ability to talk, write, learn, and move, and can harm memory and cause heart problems in adults. Mercury also causes developmental and reproductive harm to wildlife in New Hampshire, threatening a broad range of species including loons, mink, otter, and a variety of aquatic bird and fish species.

Currently, mercury levels in Granite State lakes and ponds are high enough that fishing and hunting licenses come with a warning for children, women of childbearing age, and pregnant women about dangers of eating mercury-contaminated freshwater fish. Mercury threatens New Hampshire's recreational fishing industry, which generates $316 million in economic output and sustains over 3,100 jobs in the state each year. In fact, some of the most contaminated lakes in the state are directly downwind of New Hampshire's largest power plant.

SB128 takes the first steps to clean up the smokestacks by reducing mercury and carbon pollution - but the bill could go farther to protect us. The bill gives New Hampshire power plants until 2013 to meet the new limits; however the technology to reduce these emissions exists today and there is simply no excuse to wait longer than 2010. Secondly, SB128 does not clearly eliminate mercury trading by allowing for a so-called alternative mitigation plan and other possibilities. Trading is allowed by law to reduce acid rain and smog pollution regionally and it is a tool appropriate for carbon reductions; BUT trading is unsuitable for mercury because it is so dangerous to humans and wildlife in our local environment, and because it has been shown to cause very localized impacts. Trading could mean that highly polluted lakes see no relief from mercury deposition.

Now is the time for New Hampshire lead the nation by to joining our neighbors in the region, including MA, CT, and NJ, to pass legislation to reduce mercury and carbon pollution from coal-fired power plants in our own state. Call on your state legislators to support real mercury and carbon dioxide reductions from New Hampshire's power plants and protect our children's health, our environment, and our future.

CALL YOUR SENATOR AND THE SENATORS ON THE ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE COMMITTEE

1. NH State Senators: call the State House in Concord and ask for your town's senator, 271-2111

2. These are the Senators on the Environment and Wildlife Committee:

Sen. Carl Johnson, Meredith (Committee Chair and bill sponsor), 279-6492
Sen. John Gallus, Berlin (Vice Chair), 752-1066
Sen. Jack Barnes, Raymond, 895-9352
Sen. Theodore Ted Gatsas, Manchester, 668-1233
Sen. Margaret Hassan, Exeter, 772-4187


If you cannot call, PLEASE write a letter to your Senator, the Governor and your local newspaper.

For the full bill language, Click Here and enter SB128.

Talking Points about Mercury and SB128
(Be simple: Pick one or two reasons for your support)

New Hampshire is home to the one of nation's worst mercury hot spots, based on scientific studies on loons.
Based on fish testing in New Hampshire lakes, mercury pollution causes local impacts by contaminating freshwater fish.
Reducing exposure to environmental toxins can prevent a variety of health problems, and we can potentially save taxpayer dollars by reducing health care and special education costs associated with mercury pollution.
SB128 needs strengthening to require 90% mercury emissions reductions from ALL plants.
You oppose alternative compliance plans and trading, because local mercury emissions lead to local contamination.
You oppose the 2013 deadline. 2010 is reasonable because mercury reduction technology is available today.
You support carbon dioxide reductions directed in SB128.
You want clean power plants, healthy communities, and safe fish.
Helpful Hints

State your name and your town clearly. Politeness and grace wins every time!
Say SB128 needs to protect New Hampshire more. Ask the Senator to support strengthening SB128.
Remember your positive impact on SB128 is important. 5-10 phone calls on one bill is uncommon, so get a friend to call too!
For more information contact Melissa Bernardin by phone at (603) 430-9565 or via e-mail at mbernardin (at) cleanwater.org.