N.J. attorney general joins multistate lawsuit challenging EPA rollback of mercury emission standards
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has joined a coalition of states in filing a lawsuit challenging a federal decision to roll back limits on mercury and other toxic emissions from power plants.
The lawsuit, filed against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, contests the repeal of existing standards that regulated the amount of mercury and other hazardous pollutants, including arsenic, lead and formaldehyde, that power plants can release into the environment.
“Every time you look, the Trump Administration is taking us backwards, and this time, the issue is about the amount of mercury and other toxics we allow into the air and our water,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Ideological whims should never be allowed to overrule protecting the health of our children.”
State officials said mercury is a neurotoxin that can pose risks to public health, particularly for pregnant women and children. Exposure has been linked to developmental and neurological issues, as well as increased risks of cardiovascular disease and other health conditions in adults.
According to a 2001 study cited by the state, about 13% of pregnant women in New Jersey had elevated mercury levels. New Jersey has since implemented regulations aimed at reducing mercury pollution in waterways and emissions from power plants.
The lawsuit argues the EPA’s repeal is unlawful, alleging the agency failed to provide sufficient justification and did not adequately consider advances in pollution control technologies and practices.
The coalition is asking the court to overturn the rollback and reinstate the prior standards.
New Jersey joined attorneys general from multiple states, including New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Washington, as well as several local governments, in filing the legal challenge.
