Bill > SRes560

This resolution acknowledges the serious health risks associated with mercury pollution, emphasizing that mercury is a powerful neurotoxin naturally found in fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas. The resolution highlights that when these fuels are burned, mercury is released into the atmosphere and can contaminate ground, water, and food systems, with fish consumption being the most common way humans are exposed to dangerous mercury levels. The document notes that all 50 U.S. states have fish advisories related to mercury contamination, with over 3,700 such advisories in effect as of 2025, and that fossil fuel-fired power plants are the largest source of mercury emissions in the United States. Furthermore, the resolution points out that approximately 80 million Americans live within 3 miles of these power plants, including 17 million children. The resolution underscores the severe health consequences of mercury exposure, including permanent brain damage, kidney damage, birth defects, and heart disease, with particular emphasis on the dangers of gestational mercury exposure, which can cause intellectual impairment, developmental delays, and various neurological problems. Ultimately, the resolution calls on the Senate to recognize these health risks and urges the Environmental Protection Agency to maintain strict controls on mercury pollution from power plants.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-resolution/560/all-info