Barbara Boxer: “just over 5 short months ago, the Bush administration finalized a rule that weakens and delays required controls on…”

“just over 5 short months ago, the Bush administration finalized a rule that weakens and delays required controls on emissions of mercury from coal- and oil-fired powerplants. We should overturn this rule today. This vote presents a clear choice: does the United States Senate support protecting the health of millions of children in our nation, or does it support protecting the profits of industries that emit mercury, which poisons our children and environment? The Bush administration supports the interests of polluting industries. The administration's rule saves the electric industry money, but at a severe cost to public health. The administration has-- once again--used the Federal Environmental Protection Agency to protect polluters. Mercury is a potent poison. Studies show that it may damage the human cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and respiratory systems. It also harms the nervous systems of developing fetuses. Low levels of mercury exposure in utero can damage a fetus's brain and create long-term injuries, including learning disabilities, poor academic performance, and reduced capacity to do everyday activities like drawing and learning to speak. Up to 637,000 children are born each year having already been exposed to levels of mercury associated with brain damage. Just last week, on Sept.…”