The EPA is hosting a public hearing in Chicago on Tuesday May 24th, to find out how residents feel about their proposal to limit mercury, arsenic and lead pollution from coal plants.

Mercury and other dangerous air pollutants are connected to extreme health problems -- brain damage, learning disabilities, birth defects, heart disease, cancer and even premature death. In fact, at least 1 in 12 and as many as 1 in 6 American women of childbearing age have enough mercury in their bodies to put a baby at risk.

You can help make a difference at the hearing by helping send a strong message that we want coal pollution to stop making us sick. Check out the details below and sign up to support EPA's efforts to clean up our air!

WHO: The Sierra Club and You vs. Big Coal

WHAT: Testify and submit comments on EPA's proposal to protect Americans from toxic mercury, arsenic, and lead pollution.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 24th from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Come for as long as you can whether its 30 minutes to all day.

WHERE:  Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro, 799 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL. (map and directions). 

CONTACT: Christine Nannicelli at christine.nannicelli@sierraclub.org or 312-251-1680 (x8) with any questions, or if you can't make it but still want to get involved.

Do you want to be a speaker, but are unsure what to say? We're here to help!  Check out our How to Testify Guide and Hearing Testimony Talking Points, and don't forget to register with the EPA.

How to Testify Guide (pdf)

Hearing Testimony Talking Points (pdf)

Register to speak at the hearing: contact Ms. Pamela Garrett, phone 919-541-7966 or email garrett.pamela@epa.gov. Please include what time you'd like to speak.