PA Judge Overturns State Mercury Rule

A Pennsylvania judge ruled that a state-specific regulation on mercury emissions (one that was put into place by the Department of Environmental Protection over the objections of many lawmakers)--which was far more draconian than federal EPA regulation--was unlawful, invalid, and unenforceable.

Should the ruling hold up, it represents a major victory for electricity generators - as well as for consumers, who would have paid millions in higher rates under the new regulation. Companies would merely pass on their costs to consumers (at the same time rate caps will be expiring).