About the NEZMC

Campaign History

In 1998, the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP) adopted a landmark goal to “virtually eliminate” releases of mercury from human activities into the environment. They also created an action plan to eliminate 50% of emissions by 2003. However, implementation was slow and no plan was put in place to achieve the virtual elimination goal.

Therefore, the NEZMC was formed in 2000 to put public pressure on all six New England state governments to fulfill their commitment to eliminate mercury emissions, by the year 2010.

The New England Zero Mercury Campaign developed the Zero Mercury Action Plan to encourage the NEG/ECP to achieve the goal of virtual elimination by 2010. The plan contains recommendations and action steps to phase out mercury in consumer products, reduce dental mercury amalgam use and discharge, and reduce and eliminate emissions from coal and oil burning power plants—all by 2010.

In 2001, under pressure from the NEZMC, the NEG/ECP strengthened their commitment to mercury elimination by adopting a plan for reducing emissions 75% by 2010. Unfortunately the Governors and Premiers have failed to set a timeline for achieving the virtual elimination of mercury.

In addition to putting pressure on the Governors, the NEZMC works in individual states to reduce mercury use, release, and exposure and as a result all of the New England States have made incremental progress towards the goal.

Campaign Goals

Achieve implementation of state Zero Mercury Plans that result in virtual elimination of the use and release of mercury by 2010

Promote protective and effective health warnings to prevent mercury exposure.

Campaign Partners

Clean Water Action (CT, MA, NH, RI)
Clean Water Fund
Environmental Health Strategy Center (ME)
Health Care Without Harm (MA)
Mercury Policy Project (VT)
National Wildlife Federation (VT)
Natural Resources Council of Maine (ME)
Sierra Club of Rhode Island (RI)