Mercury Emission Act of 2005

The Mercury Emission Act of 2005 (S. 730) aims to reduce public exposure to mercury by establishing strict limits on emissions from coal-fired power plants, cement plants, and chemical manufacturing facilities. The bill would phase out the sale of most mercury-containing products within three years and requires manufacturers to clearly label any remaining items that contain the metal. Additionally, the legislation mandates the removal of mercury-containing items from waste streams before they are incinerated and increases funding for national networks that monitor how mercury spreads through the atmosphere and environment.