Groups Propose Alternative to E.P.A. Rules on Mercury

By MICHAEL JANOFSKY
Published: November 14, 2005

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 - Concerned that new federal standards on mercury emissions will not produce more immediate health benefits, two national groups of state and local air quality regulators have developed a plan to yield fewer emissions in less time.

The groups say at least 20 states have shown interest in the plan, which was conceived in response to complaints from environmentalists and some Democrats in Congress over federal rules to eliminate significant amounts of mercury from air and water.

Details of the plan are expected to be released Monday by the regulators' groups, the State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators and the Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials.