Reaction Of Sen. Patrick Leahy
To EPA Administrator Leavitt’s Announcement Thursday
That He Will Extend The Deadline
For Finalizing The Mercury Rule To March 15, 2005

Thursday, April 29, 2004

“The Administration needs to use this extra time to go back and do their homework to get this right.   

“Extending the deadline on this deeply flawed rule moves us back for now from the brink of getting this indefensible plan, but what Administrator Leavitt still needs to do is to withdraw this proposal and produce a new one, grounded in science and in the public’s interest.  We need a mercury plan that honors instead of insults the Clean Air Act.

“The American people deserve a plan that addresses the risks that pregnant women and young children are now facing from this potent neurotoxin.  I hope Administrator Leavitt will withdraw this plan and start writing a new one by this Mother’s Day, May 9.”

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