Your editorial ("Elemental Risk," June 22) urges legislators to heed the scientific findings when it comes to mercury. The paper ought to take its own advice.

It's clear The Patriot-News has not been listening to the facts surrounding this critical public health issue. My bill will protect the public's health just as much as the DEP rule. People need to know that they are exposed to mercury by eating fish in massive quantities. It poses no risk through inhalation or physical contact. A nationwide study by the Centers for Disease Control found not a single instance where a person had unhealthy levels of mercury in their blood.

We need to be smart in how we reduce mercury emissions. The DEP rule will threaten jobs, raise electric bills and could reduce our generating capacity while providing no added public health benefit. Remember this the next time you're discussing utility shut-offs in winter.

This fear that no reductions will occur in Pennsylvania is simply misplaced. Senate Bill 1201 requires an 86 percent reduction in emissions from our power plants. Mercury emissions are already down 33 percent since 1999, and DEP's own data show that 90 percent of our generating capacity will have enhanced pollution controls in place in the coming years. The science to support cause and effect surrounding hotspots is just not there.

I'm proud of my colleagues who sifted through the rhetoric, personal attacks and misinformation to vote overwhelmingly and in bipartisan fashion for Senate Bill 1201. It's responsible public policy that protects the health of every Pennsylvanian. Sen. MARY JO WHITE Chairman, Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee Harrisburg