Minnesota tribes are battling mercury pollution from taconite mining, as steel companies challenge new EPA regulations designed to curb emissions.
Lylla Younes reports for Grist.
In short:
- U.S. Steel and Cleveland Cliffs dominate U.S. steel production, heavily polluting Minnesota with mercury from taconite mining.
- New EPA regulations require a 30% reduction in mercury emissions, costing the industry $106 million upfront and $68 million annually.
- Tribes like the Fond du Lac Band suffer health impacts, with high mercury levels affecting fish, wild rice, and local waterways.
Key quote:
"I find this reprehensible and shameful. While it’s claiming that it can’t spend money to clean up historic pollution, U.S. Steel is just handing out money to its shareholders."
— Jim Pew, Earthjustice lawyer
Why this matters:
Mercury pollution poses serious health risks, particularly to Minnesota’s tribal communities reliant on fishing and wild rice harvesting. Persistent legal battles against regulations delay critical environmental protections.
