The Great Lakes offer some of the best freshwater fishing in the world. But, strengthening the Rust Belt perception, rock bass, perch, crappie, large- and small-mouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and muskie caught across much of the region are virtually unedible due to the serious health implications stemming from decades of mercury pollution that continues to this day. No more than one meal per week, health officials say.
As expected, old-line business lobbyists resist common-sense programs to dramatically reduce the threat, cleanup the lakes, and protect human health, according to an insightful report from Associated Press reporter John Flesher.
"We're already the only nation on the planet regulating mercury, and Michigan wants to go beyond the federal requirement. Talk about a competitive disadvantage," said Michael Johnston, regulatory affairs director for the Michigan Manufacturers Association, in response to a state plan requiring power companies to cutback mercury emissions by 90 percent by 2015.
Illinois, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania have set similiar goals. But lobbyists apparently prefer a much slower Bush Administration plan to reduce emissions by 70 percent by 2018. They say anything more aggressive would cost too much money to implement, dramatically retard job growth in the region, and severely jack up energy costs.
Meanwhile, a second Flesher report reveals industry officials aren't buying the can't do attitude.
"I'm confident we can make this work," said Steven Derenne, an engineer with Milwaukee-based We Energies.
