June 21, 2004 

Wisconsin sportsmen lead national coalition calling for
stronger mercury emission controls

More than 1 million sportsmen urge EPA administrator Mike Leavitt to clean up
streams, lakes; protect health of people, wildlife

Madison, WI – A coalition of 472 sportsmen groups across the nation – including nearly 100 from Wisconsin – representing more than one million anglers, hunters, and conservationists are urging the Bush Administration to strengthen its current mercury control proposal.

The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation will release an open letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt at a press conference on Tuesday, June 22, at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol, Room 201 Southeast, in Madison. Reporters outside Madison may participate in the press conference by calling 1-800-791-2345, conference code 61241.

The letter from sportsmen comes before the June 30 close of the public comment period for the EPA’s mercury power plant rule.

Mercury contamination is a significant problem in Wisconsin, and sportsmen in the state are urging the Bush Administration to:

• consider the effects of mercury contamination on fish and wildlife and the implications of mercury in fish on human health and the $100 billion recreational fishing industry; and

• enact strong national standards to reduce mercury emissions in Wisconsin and across the country.

Who:
Marc Smith, NWF
George Meyer, Executive Director, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
Jeff Smith, Legislative Chair, Wisconsin Trout Unlimited
Dale Arnez, Board Chair, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association

When:
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
10 a.m

Where:
State Capitol
Room 201 Southeast
Madison, WI

Reporters outside Madison may participate in the press conference by calling 1-800-791-2345, conference code 61241.

Contact:
Marc Smith – National Wildlife Federation
(734) 255-5413 (cell)

George Meyer – Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
(608) 516-5545 (cell)