NEWS ADVISORY

For Immediate Release
August 24, 2005

Contact: Ramesh Bhatt
859-245-6254

Representative Ben Chandler to Speak at Mercury Event in Lexington

The Cumberland Chapter Sierra Club will host the world premiere of a new film, The Mercury is Rising, on Thursday, September 1st, 5 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church. Representative Ben Chandler will speak at a press conference preceding the screening. Chandler will be accompanied by Tim Guilfoile of the Sierra Club, and a representative of the League of Kentucky Sportsmen. They will discuss the threat of mercury pollution in Kentucky, especially to children and women of childbearing age, and will take questions.

All of Kentucky’s rivers, streams and lakes are under a fish consumption advisory for mercury pollution according to Ramesh Bhatt, spokesman for the Bluegrass Group of the Sierra Club in Lexington. “We know what the problem is, how it is caused, and how to fix it,” said Bhatt. “Now we must convince our government to fully enforce the Clean Air Act to remove mercury from our air and water.” He added that the problem is so severe in Kentucky because of the high concentration of coal-fired power plants.

The new film explains how mercury gets into our systems and what citizens can do to clean up the problem. The event is open to the public and is free. Everyone interested in clean air and water is encouraged to attend the event and find out how we can do better and protect our children’s health.

What: Press Conference and world premiere of The Mercury Is Rising, a 15-minute film about mercury pollution and the threat to our children When: Thursday, September 1st at 5 p.m. Where: Second Presbyterian Church, 460 E. Main St., across from the Lexington Herald-Leader. Who: Representative Ben Chandler, Tim Guilfoile of the Sierra Club, and a representative of the Kentucky League of Sportsmen