"Iowa Utilities Fight Proposed Mercury Rule"

"Iowa's largest utility companies are ramping up their opposition to proposed state rules that would require them to monitor the mercury being emitted from their power plants, public records obtained by The Des Moines Register show.

The resistance comes as state environmental groups are pushing for stronger air monitoring requirements and have rekindled discussion about coal ash residue, which can leak highly toxic mercury and other substances into lakes, rivers and groundwater.

The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission, which sets state environmental policy, is expected to consider a rule this summer that would require power plants to monitor the mercury they vent into the air by mandating tests once each quarter."

Chase Davis reports for the Des Moines Register June 21, 2009.