Group says much mercury released into the air

Group says much mercury released into the air

COLUMBUS

(AP) A report from an Ohio environmental group says the state ranks second for mercury released into the air by electric power plants.

Environment Ohio said today that the state’s power plants emitted more than 4,200 pounds of mercury in 2010. The report says Texas was the nation’s biggest mercury polluter, with plants there releasing more than 11,000 pounds of the toxic metal last year.

The numbers come from a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency database. The EPA is currently working on regulations to limit mercury and other toxic pollution from coal-fired power plants.

Environment Ohio says Ohio is home to eight of the 100 plants that emit the most mercury pollution.

The group’s Jillian Hertzberg says the new EPA rules will protect children and families from a known poison.