CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

DemocratBill · S.Res. 560· Senate(119-SRES-560)

A resolution recognizing that mercury pollution can cause severe health problems, including permanent brain damage, kidney damage, and birth defects.

Rep. Whitehouse
Age: 71 years
Rhode Island
Introduced
12/17/2025
Last activity
12/17/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Sponsored by
Sheldon Whitehouse
Cosponsors
Democrat - 8Republican - 0
Environmental Protection
  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.

What this bill would do

This resolution acknowledges that mercury pollution causes severe health problems like permanent brain damage, kidney damage, and birth defects. It notes that burning fossil fuels releases mercury into the air, which then enters the ground, water, and food system. The text points out that eating fish from mercury-contaminated water is the most common way people are exposed to dangerous levels. It highlights that fossil fuel-fired power plants are the largest source of mercury emissions in the country. Additionally, it mentions that millions of people, including many children, live near these power plants. Finally, it states the official sense of the Senate that the Environmental Protection Agency should not loosen controls on mercury pollution from power plants.

Yes· 3 of 15

  • Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+5

    The resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the EPA should maintain strict controls on mercury pollution.

  • Would children be better off under this?+4

    Protecting against heavy neurotoxins like mercury provides significant long-term health benefits for children and developing fetuses.

  • Would women be better off under this?+3

    Particularly beneficial for pregnant women to prevent gestational mercury exposure and developmental issues in children.

The opposite

  • Would business owners be better off under this?-2

    Maintaining strict environmental controls can impose compliance considerations on fossil fuel-fired power plant operators.