"Clergy, Doctors, Industry Debate New Mercury Rules At EPA Hearing"

"First, Rabbi Daniel Swartz leaned toward the microphone at Tuesday's hearing on proposed federal rules to limit mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.

By allowing emissions to continue, "we have, in effect subsidized the poisoning of fetuses and children," the Scranton rabbi said.

Later came the Rev. Mitchell Hescox, president of the Evangelical Environmental Network, a national ministry. "We are hindering children from an abundant life. . . because we failed to clean up this terrible poison," he said.

By the time Joy Bergey of the Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church spoke, the EPA's hearing officer, Rob Brenner, was curious."

Sandy Bauers reports for the Philadelphia Inquirer May 24, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"Activists Protest Atop Pilsen Coal Plant Chimney" (Chicago Tribune)

"'Quit Coal' Greenpeacers Scale Power Plant Smokestack in Chicago" (ENS)

"Arizona Coal Plant Focus of Congressional Hearing" (Examiner)