Apr. 18--Four years after promising to take action to reduce mercury emissions, Gov. Jennifer Granholm ordered environmental regulators Monday to write new rules for 21 coal-fired power plants in Michigan with the goal of reducing mercury pollution by 90% by 2015. While environmental groups hailed the announcement, representatives of the state's major utility companies were cautious, suggesting that strict time limits may be unachievable or the technology to reach such goals too expensive to put in place. Power plants account for more than half of the mercury emissions in Michigan, according to the state Department of Environmental Quality.

In 1999, the latest year for which precise data is available, power generated from coal introduced more than 3,000 pounds of mercury to the atmosphere. Much of it is presumed to have made its way into the food chain, posing health risks to humans, especially children and pregnant women. "Mercury poses a real and serious health concern for the people of Michigan," Granholm said. "We are ensuring that future generations can enjoy clean air and safe water." Significant details -- including settling on a threshold from which the cuts would be made -- will be worked out in coming months, DEQ Director Steve Chester said at a news briefing Monday afternoon.

He added the process could take a year and a half. But there was agreement on the cost of the proposal. Last year, a DEQ work group concluded putting such a measure in place would cost a typical residential customer 15-60 cents per month. Reducing mercury emissions will require the introduction of new technology -- such as filters -- to existing plants. Granholm's announcement was welcomed by representatives of some environmental organizations. Lana Pollack, president of the Michigan Environmental Council, said Monday the plan will "pay big dividends." The power generators were more circumspect.

"People are in agreement that there should be reductions," Consumers Energy spokesman Dan Bishop said. "But when we invest our customers' money we need proven technology." Bishop said there is no "commercially proven technology" capable of delivering a 90% reduction in mercury. Lorie Kessler, spokeswoman for DTE, said her company is "always committed to reasonable cost-effective, environmental controls." Contact DAWSON BELL at 313-222-6604 or dbell@freepress.com. Cutting pollution What the governor wants: To lessen mercury emissions with new rules for state's 21 coal-fired power plants.

Who's happy: Environmental groups. Also, children and pregnant women who are harmed the most by mercury. Who's not: Utility companies. Power plants are responsible for most of state's mercury pollution, and needed technology is pricey. Consumers, who may have to pay extra. Now what?: Not much. It'll take time to settle costs, details.