Hubbard Brook Research Foundation

MERCURY MATTERS: Linking Mercury Science with Public Policy in the Northeastern United States

New scientific study links mercury pollution hotspots to U.S. coal-fired power plants and other sources. Read Mercury Matters report here, and links below to related information.

Two new studies released in the January issue of the scientific journal BioScience identify five known and nine suspected biological mercury hotspots in northeastern North America - and suggest that U.S. coal-fired power plants are to blame in some instances. The authors of the studies also conclude that the trading of mercury pollution as allowed in the recent EPA Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) could perpetuate these biological mercury hotspots. The studies are the result of a three-year effort by the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation (HBRF).

A companion report for general audiences and educators, "Mercury Matters" is being released in conjunction with the BioScience articles.

National press release

Press releases by state: Maine, Massaschusetts, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont

Senator Susan Collins statement (press release) (PDF)

Statement of the DES Commissioner and Attorney General of New Hampshire (PDF)

MERCURY MATTERS report (PDF)

Report images (various formats)

BioScience article (Driscoll et al) (PDF)

BioScience article (Evers et al) (PDF)

New York Times Op Ed (by Co-Authors Driscoll and Evers)

Author Bios

Power Point presentation

Proposed National Mercury Monitoring Bill (Summary)

Comments from the electric power industry (EPRI)

HBRF responds to EPRI's comments