A rule that will significantly reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants throughout the US has been announced this week by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Taken together with the recent Clean Air Interstate Rule, the new Clean Air Mercury Rule will reduce electric utility mercury emissions by nearly 70% from 1999 levels once it has been fully implemented, according to the agency. "This rule marks the first time the United States has regulated mercury emissions from power plants," acting Administrator Steve Johnson stated. "In so doing, we become the first nation in the world to address this remaining source of mercury pollution."