No new laws seen for mines (mercury emissions)

[NVMojo]

WASHINGTON - Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency have moved aggressively to curb airborne mercury emissions from coal-fired electric plants, but they have virtually ignored Nevada's mining industry - and apparently intend to continue doing so.

Even lawmakers who represent Idaho and Utah, which are suffering the effects of severe mercury pollution, are not planning any legislation, their aides said.

Nor are Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., who represents Northern Nevada, or Sens. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and John Ensign, R-Nev., who generally enjoy a close relationship with the mining industry.

"Gold mining has really slipped under the radar," said Bill Eddie, an attorney for three environmental groups negotiating to strengthen federal rules on mercury emissions from Nevada mines.

more...

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/business/2006/mar/05/566685690.html

[bloom]

1. everybody needs to stop thinking that the problem

(whatever the problem of the day is) is confined to one little area and won't affect the rest of us.