Gov. Lynch issued the following statement today on the proposed legislation to reduce mercury emissions from New Hampshire's coal-fired power plants:

"Mercury is poisoning New Hampshire' s beautiful lakes and rivers and endangering the health of our citizens, particularly pregnant women and children. As a state, we must act to reduce mercury pollution. "

"This proposed agreement is an important step toward significantly reducing mercury in New Hampshire. Cleaning up mercury, sulfur and particulate matter will improve the quality of our water and air, and reduce health risks to our citizens."

"I applaud the legislators and stakeholders who came together to develop this proposal, and I look forward to the broad review and public input this proposal will have as it moves through the legislative process."