The Dane County Circuit Court Monday dismissed a lawsuit meant to block the DNR's rules on limiting mercury emissions from coal burning power plants. The challenge was brought by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the Wisconsin Utility Investors and the Wisconsin Paper Council. The court rejected the groups' claim that the DNR did not perform the proper economic "scope" of the proposal.
Mark Redstein, Executive Director of Clean Wisconsin, applauds the ruling.
"We believe its time state takes on the important work of reducing mercury pollution."
Opponents of the proposed DNR rules have raised concerns about whether it's financially feasible. Redstein says we will pay one way or another.
"There are additional costs but the cost of our children's health, the costs of our tourism economy; these are great costs as well."
The environmental advocate says other parts of the country have successfully enacted similar restrictions because implementation costs are going down.
The State Natural Resources Board is expected to vote on the proposal Wednesday.