EPA to Additionally Propose Stricter Air-Quality Standards in 2022 for Mercury and Other Toxic Pollutants, and New Restrictions on Wastewater Generated by Power Plants
CORSICANA, TX, Feb. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. (OTCQB: MEEC) ("ME2C Environmental" or the “Company”), a leading environmental technologies firm, today commented on the EPA’s announcement on Monday, January 31, 2022, proposing to reaffirm the scientific, economic, and legal underpinnings of the 2012 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for power plants, which require significant reductions of mercury, acid gases, and other harmful pollutants. The proposal would leave the current emissions standards unchanged but would ensure the continuation of public health protections provided by these requirements, while seeking information from the public on opportunities for additional pollution reductions.
In 2012, the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) were established under the Clean Air Act. The standard affected new and existing commercial coal- and oil-fired power plants. It set standards designed to dramatically reduce releases of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants into the atmosphere. EPA has estimated that by 2017 power plant emissions of hazardous mercury pollution into the air and water were reduced by 86%. In May 2020, the previous administration reversed EPA’s prior finding, undermining for the legal basis for MATS. In the announcement issued by the EPA on January 31, 2022, EPA proposes to find that the 2020 action was based under a flawed interpretation of the Clean Air Act.
In addition to the recent announcement to reaffirm the MATS rule, the EPA is reviewing and plans to propose stricter air-quality standards in 2022 for mercury and other toxic pollutants, and new restrictions on wastewater generated by coal-fired power plants.
Commenting on the EPA proposal, Richard MacPherson, Chief Executive Officer of ME2C Environmental, stated, “We believe that the EPA’s reaffirmation of the MATS rule as appropriate and necessary is a key step in paving the way for a potential strengthening of both the air and water regulations. The EPA ruling reinforces the stability and growth of the U.S. coal-fired power sector. Our core business in mercury emissions capture and patented Sorbent Enhancement Additive (SEA®) technology will continue to play a vital role in enabling our customers to meet or exceed their mercury mitigation requirements. Widespread industry adoption and recognition of the value of our technology is accelerating, with additional new supply business announced in first month of 2022 with major utility customers.”
MacPherson added, “The prospect of new EPA restrictions aimed at further reducing mercury contamination in power plant wastewater supports our focused effort to provide a reliable remediation system to address mercury. With more than 1,100 coal ash ponds across the U.S., mercury is a primary concern for power plant wastewater and typically requires costly treatment prior to discharge to ensure environmental and public health. We are looking forward to working with our customers to deploy new technologies, in addition to our core business, that will support any challenges they may face with meeting more stringent compliance requirements.”
About ME2C® Environmental
ME2C Environmental is a leading environmental technologies company developing and delivering patented and proprietary solutions to the global power industry. ME2C Environmental leading-edge mercury emissions services have been shown to achieve emissions removal more efficiently and with less operational impact than alternative methods while maintaining and/or increasing power plant output and preserving the marketability of byproducts for beneficial use. ME2C Environmental is a trade name of Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. For more information, please visit www.me2cenvironmental.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
With the exception of historical information contained in this press release, content herein may contain "forward-looking statements" that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by using words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "expect," "intend," "will," and similar expressions, but these words are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. Matters that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors, the gain or loss of a major customer, change in environmental regulations, disruption in supply of materials, capacity factor fluctuations of power plant operations and power demands, a significant change in general economic conditions in any of the regions where our customer utilities might experience significant changes in electric demand, a significant disruption in the supply of coal to our customer units, the loss of key management personnel, availability of capital and any major litigation regarding ME2C Environmental. In addition, this release contains time-sensitive information that reflects management's best analysis only as of the date of this release. ME2C Environmental does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the date of this release. Further information concerning issues that could materially affect financial performance related to forward-looking statements contained in this release can be found in ME2C Environmental’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ME2C Environmental Contact:
Stacey Hyatt
Corporate Communications
ME2C Environmental
Main: 614-505-6115 x-1001
Direct: 404-226-4217
shyatt@me2cenvironmental.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Kevin McGrath
Managing Director
TraDigital IR
Tel: 646-418-7002
kevin@tradigitalir.com
