What action can the EPA take under the Clean Air Act regarding mercury emissions from power plants?

The Clean Air Act empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate and reduce air pollutants, including mercury emissions from power plants. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can have serious health effects on humans and wildlife, particularly affecting the neurological development of children and unborn fetuses.

Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has the authority to set performance standards for hazardous air pollutants, which includes specific requirements for the reduction of mercury emissions. The requirement for a 90% reduction of mercury emissions from power plants aligns with the EPA’s mandate to protect public health and the environment. This significant reduction target is based on the understanding of the health risks associated with mercury exposure and aims to drastically lower the amount of mercury released into the air, thereby mitigating its impact on air quality and related health concerns.

This action is especially important given that coal-fired power plants are one of the largest sources of mercury emissions in the United States. By imposing stringent regulations, the EPA seeks to push technological advancements in pollution control and ensure that power plants operate within limits that safeguard both public health and the environment.

In contrast, the other options presented either do not pertain to current regulations under the Clean Air Act or propose actions that do not aim to effectively reduce air pollutants.