Congressional Hearing on EPA Mercury Protections
January 1, 2020
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The Frame
The hearing examines the scientific and economic basis for EPA regulatory changes that could alter how mercury emissions from power plants are monitored and limited, directly affecting public health standards and industrial compliance costs.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Environmental Protection Agency
The agency is subject to congressional oversight regarding its regulatory rulemaking processes.
Power plant operators
These entities are subject to federal air quality regulations and compliance costs related to mercury emissions.
Public health advocacy groups
These groups monitor and advocate for specific air quality standards to address health outcomes.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2020.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on May 21, 2019, by the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- The primary subject was the EPA's review and potential revision of mercury protection standards.
- Six expert witnesses provided testimony, including representatives from academia, legal firms, and public health advocacy groups.
- The hearing included the submission of technical reports from NERA Economic Consulting regarding EPA regulatory impact analysis methods.
- The committee reviewed the methodology used by the EPA to calculate the 'co-benefits' of air quality regulations.
- The hearing record includes written answers to follow-up questions submitted to witnesses Janet McCabe, Michael A. Livermore, Noelle Eckley Selin, and Adam R. F. Gustafson.
Why It Matters
The hearing examines the scientific and economic basis for EPA regulatory changes that could alter how mercury emissions from power plants are monitored and limited, directly affecting public health standards and industrial compliance costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Focus on Regulatory Methodology
The hearing highlights a shift in focus from the direct health impacts of mercury to the technical methodology used by the EPA to justify regulatory costs and benefits.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy65Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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