ORIGINAL

.

RECEIVED

CLERK'S OFFICE

Pollution Control Board

James

R. Thompson Center

JUN 1

4

2006

100 W. Randolph, Suite 11-500

STATE OF

ILLINOIS

Chicago, IL 60601

Pollution Control Board

June 13, 2006

Dear Board Members,

OC(

I am writing as a citizen, retired physician, and registered voter to urge you to cut mercury

pollution due to coal-fired energy generation by 90% by 2009 as has been proposed

. I

presume you are already aware of the numerous health effects due to mercury, particularly

in those with other health problems, pregnant women, and especially fetuses and children

.

Causing the citizens of Illinois, especially those unfortunate enough to live near coal-

burning energy plants to inhale preventable mercury emissions, I feel is unconscionable

.

I realize that reducing emissions always costs money . I urge you not to put dollars over

human health. Consider also that dollars spent on reducing mercury emissions SAVE

dollars in state-sponsored health care currently being spent on mercury-related illnesses .

Please choose protecting the health of the public . I like to think my tax dollars are spent

to improve the lives of the citizens, not on protecting profits for energy companies

.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter

.

Sincerely,

42

Paula F. Cowan, MD

1206 S. New Wilke Rd. #102

Arlington Heights, IL 60005