Transcript Mercury Legislation in Vermont

Mercury Legislation
in Vermont
Jessa Berna
Environmental Policy
December 6, 2005
Mercury
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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
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1998-The New England Governors and
Eastern Canadian Primers meeting
1998- Mercury Reduction Act
2005-Comprehensive Management of
Exposure to Mercury
2006/2007-Mercury Exposure Reduction
Legislative Obstacles
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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
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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
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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.