S.P. 580 - L.D. 1745
Resolve, to Direct the Land and Water Resources Council to Develop a Report and Proposed Actions to Control Mercury Emissions and Discharges
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the 116th Legislature established the Land and Water Resources Council, in part to study specific water resource management issues and problems of statewide significance and formulate policies that achieve the goal of protecting the quality of Maine's water resources; and
Whereas, mercury is a persistent, bioaccumulative and highly toxic metal that is found in air emissions and water discharges from various facilities both within Maine and beyond its borders; and
Whereas, mercury contamination from discharge and deposition has caused fish consumption advisories in Maine water; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it
Sec. 1. Report and recommendations. Resolved: That the Land and Water Resources Council shall develop a long-range strategy to evaluate and reduce the levels and sources of mercury contamination affecting Maine's environment. The council shall seek the advice and support of the Maine Environmental Priorities Project, Legislators, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and other groups in completing this task. The strategy includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. A description of the levels and locations of mercury contamination that are known or suspected to exist in Maine's environment;
2. A survey of sources and quantities of mercury discharged to or deposited into Maine's natural resources. This survey should include both in-state and out-of-state sources and estimates of relative contribution;
3. Recommendations for further data acquisition, if necessary; and
4. Recommendations for regulatory, legislative, pollution prevention or technical assistance actions to reduce mercury contamination; and be it further
Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the evaluation and recommendations of the Land and Water Resources Council on mercury be part of its annual report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over natural resource matters. The council shall report its initial evaluation and recommendations as part of its January, 1998 annual report; and be it further
Sec. 3. Legislation. Resolved: That the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources may report out legislation regarding the reduction of mercury emissions and discharges to the Second Regular Session of the 118th Legislature.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.
Effective May 30, 1997.
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