Mercury Legislation in Vermont Jessa Berna Environmental Policy

Mercury Legislation in Vermont Jessa Berna Environmental Policy December 6, 2005

Mercury n n Found in everyday appliances such as thermometers, light fixtures and automobile replacement parts Coal-fired Power Plants produce 87% of mercury emissions in the U. S. • Methylmercury exposure in the womb can adversely affect a baby's growing brain and nervous system, impacts on cognitive thinking, memory, attention, language, fine motor and visual skills may also be impaired. • Elemental mercury causes health problems when it is breathed in as a vapor. Minimal exposure causes symptoms ranging from tremors and emotional changes to insomnia, neuromuscular and nerve response changes, and decreased cognitive function. Higher exposure can affect the kidneys, cause repertory failure, and possible death.

History of Vermont Legislation 1998 -The New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Primers meeting n 1998 - Mercury Reduction Act n 2005 -Comprehensive Management of Exposure to Mercury n 2006/2007 -Mercury Exposure Reduction n

Legislative Obstacles n n Lobbyist: In the 1998 bill IBM lobbyists were able to win an exemption from the law for the fluorescent lights they manufacture. Other industry lobbyists: The Alliance of Automobile Manufactures, Consumer Healthcare Products Association, etc. National Electrical Manufacturers Association The current federal administration

Political Strategy and Environmental Governance n n n Many other states, particularly in New England, have followed Vermont’s lead and passed similar Mercury legislation. Even though Vermont is a small state, it was able to strategically make a very significant impact. The state of Vermont clearly represents the state-based scientism approach to environmental governance. Vermont is relying on scientists to make decisions for the state, serving the public good.

Conclusion n n The proposed Mercury Exposure Reduction is definitely a strengthening previously mercury legislation in Vermont. This is a very sound piece of legislation that very specifically sets out to continue the process of labeling products containing mercury, and providing alternatives to products with mercury, such as certain vaccines. Vermont has also held strong in the face of lobbyists, and the current Mercury Exposure Reduction bill is a perfect example of this. Vermont has been extremely persistent in trying to implement firm and allinclusive legislation pertaining to the labeling and banning of products containing mercury.