25th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers

WHEREAS, the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers has received a report from its Committee on the Environment outlining progress to date, the major accomplishments, and the priorities for the coming year of the NEG/ECP Mercury Task Force; and

WHEREAS, mercury emissions from utility and non-utility boilers are a major source of mercury emissions in our two countries, and utility restructuring offers potential opportunities to reduce emissions from these sources; and

WHEREAS, the transport and deposition of mercury from outside our region is a major contributor to the health threat posed by this toxin in New England and Eastern Canada; and

WHEREAS, the uses of mercury in products are still widespread, and major segments of our population continue to be inadequately aware of the toxic effects of mercury;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers endorses the work of its Mercury Task Force and adopts the recommendations of its report; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers asks its Mercury Task Force to begin its development of jurisdictional strategies to reduce mercury emissions from boilers, in order to meet the reduction targets cited in the report of the Joint Boiler work group entitled "Technology Options and Recommendations for Reducing Mercury and Acid Rain Precursor Emissions from Boilers"; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers directs its Mercury Task Force to assess the adequacy of the regional mercury monitoring and deposition modeling system, and make appropriate recommendations to the Conference at its next meeting; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers directs its Mercury Task Force to complete its Communications Strategy to address outreach, education and advocacy issues; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers adopts the report "Statement of the Draft Mercury Education and Reduction Programs", which presents policy concepts states and provinces can consider for use jointly or individually, and directs its Mercury Task Force to encourage coordinated action; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers directs its Mercury Task Force to review and identify any additional significant sources of mercury discharges into the environment, and to begin the development and implementation of recommended control strategies.

Adopted at the 25th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers, July 16-18, 2000.

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