EPA Proposes Rules to Slash Mercury Emissions by 50% and Save Billions in Health Costs

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled a set of proposals that could cut mercury emissions by more than half and dramatically reduce other air toxics from industrial boilers, process heaters, and solid‑waste incinerators. These toxic pollutants, many of which are known or suspected carcinogens, also cause significant environmental damage. The agency estimates that the rules will deliver more than $5 in public health benefits for every dollar invested.

“Strong cuts to mercury and other harmful emissions will have real benefits for our health and our environment, spur clean‑technology innovations, and save American communities billions of dollars in avoided health costs,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “This is a cost‑effective, commonsense way to protect our health and the health of our children, and get America moving into the clean economy of the future.”

The proposals target roughly 200,000 industrial boilers, process heaters and solid‑waste incinerators—making them the second‑largest source of mercury in the United States. By tightening controls, the EPA expects annual mercury emissions to fall by more than 50 percent.

Mercury is especially dangerous to developing fetuses and young children. Once released, it settles in water bodies where it can convert to methylmercury, a highly toxic compound that accumulates in fish and can trigger fish‑consumption advisories.

If fully adopted, the rules could generate annual health benefits ranging from $18 billion to $44 billion. Those gains include preventing 2,000 to 5,200 premature deaths and averting about 36,000 asthma attacks each year. The estimated annual cost for installing and operating the required pollution controls is $3.6 billion.

The two classes of combustion units covered are:

1. Boilers and process heaters that burn fuels such as natural gas, coal, oil, or non‑hazardous secondary materials (e.g., processed tires, used oil).
2. Commercial and industrial solid‑waste incinerators that burn municipal and industrial waste.

Large boilers and all incinerators would need to meet new mercury and air‑toxic limits. Boiler owners must also conduct energy audits to identify cost‑effective fuel‑use reductions. Smaller facilities, such as schools, will be exempt from the full requirements but will still need to perform biannual tune‑ups.

EPA is also proposing to clarify which non‑hazardous secondary materials qualify as solid waste versus fuel—a distinction that determines where the material can be burned. The agency is seeking comments on broader approaches that could reclassify additional materials when burned in combustion units.

The agency will accept public comments for 45 days after publication in the Federal Register and will hold a public hearing soon thereafter. For full details and to join the discussion, visit EPA’s combustion website.