As Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich today used his annual State of the State address today to launch two major clean air initiatives, clean air and public health advocates are reacting with strong support for the new initiatives to cut mercury pollution from coal plants and save motorists' money by offering incentives to purchase clean and fuel-efficient vehicles.

In his speech, Blagojevich highlighted a strong proposal to require Illinois coal plants to install pollution controls to reduce the levels of toxic mercury they put into Illinois' air and water. Blagojevich's plan would require Illinois coal plants to reduce mercury pollution by 90% by 2009.

"Governor Blagojevich's proposal will not only protect the health of Illinois children, it will also set an example for America to follow in addressing a major public health problem," said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter. "Mothers and women hoping to have children shouldn't have to worry that by eating fish or feeding it to their kids they could be doing permanent damage to a child's brain. The technology to protect our kids is available, affordable, and it's time we put it on these smokestacks.”

Mercury from coal-fired power plants ends up in lakes, rivers, and oceans, and certain species of fish accumulate dangerous levels of the toxic metal in their muscle tissue. When people eat these fish, they are exposed to potentially harmful levels of mercury. The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a warning about the dangers of eating large predator fish from all Illinois waters due to statewide mercury pollution. The Bush Administration has proposed substantially weaker pollution controls that could allow Illinois coal plants to delay or even entirely avoid installing pollution controls.

Another clean air initiative announced today by the Governor is a proposed $500 tax credit for more fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles purchased after July 1, 2006. Four hybrid electric vehicles, including the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Ford Hybrid Escape, top the list of fuel-sipping cars and SUVs.

“Gov. Blagojevich's tax credit allows more Illinois drivers to purchase a car that saves them money at the gas pump, reduces our dependence on oil, and cuts global warming pollution. The $500 credit is great way to reward drivers who want to buy the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road today,” said Colleen Sarna, Global Warming and Energy Organizer for the Sierra Club.