The Trump administration’s proposal to undermine our mercury pollution standards is now in its final stages. Moms have been fighting this proposal every step of the way — and we aren’t giving up now.
That’s why my colleague Trisha and I went into the belly of the beast and met with the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the agency that is doing a final review of EPA’s dangerous proposal. We took your messages to the administration itself, highlighting the health risks of Trump’s proposed changes to our existing, working mercury rules.
Mercury is a heavy metal that can pollute our air, water, and fish. It is a dangerous neurotoxin that is especially harmful to pregnant women, infants, and children. The most significant source of mercury pollution is from burning coal for energy.
Babies and children are especially vulnerable to neurological harm from mercury pollution. That’s why Moms Clean Air Force is fighting the Trump administration’s proposal as an attack on the health of women, babies, and children.
In our meeting this week, we highlighted the strenuous and broad opposition to undermining our mercury standards, and the administration’s failure to consult tribal groups in developing this proposal. They have left crucial impacted voices out of the process and given only one opportunity for members of the public to share their concerns at a public hearing.
There is strong bipartisan support for keeping the mercury rule in place — that is practically unheard of in today’s highly partisan political climate. Despite all this opposition, and the fact that our children’s health is on the line, the Trump Administration is pushing forward with undermining the mercury rules. It just doesn’t make sense.