Political Quotes

“today along with Senator Carper, I am introducing the Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act. This bill would ensure that we have accurate information about the extent of mercury pollution in the United States. A comprehensive national mercury monitoring network is needed to protect human health, safeguard fisheries, and track the effect of emissions reductions. This tracking is particularly important in light of increasing mercury emissions from other countries, including a substantial amount of mercury emissions from China. Mercury can be transported around the globe, meaning emissions and releases can affect human health and environment even in remote locations. The issue of mercury emissions is growing in importance around the world. In 2013, the United States was the first Nation to join and sign the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global agreement to reduce mercury pollution. The Minamata Convention has been signed by more than 125 countries and raises the issue that mercury poses a global threat to human health. At present, scientists must rely on limited information to understand the critical linkages between mercury emissions and environmental response and human health. Successful design, implementation, and assessment of solutions to the mercury pollution problem require comprehensive long-term information.…”