On March 16, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its [http://www.epa.gov/airquality/powerplanttoxics/pdfs/proposal.pdf proposed emissions standards] to limit mercury, acid gases and other toxic pollution from power plants, to prevent an estimated 91 percent of the mercury in coal from being released to the air. The EPA estimates that there are approximately 1,350 units affected by the action, including 1,200 existing coal-fired units.<ref name=fs>[http://www.epa.gov/airquality/powerplanttoxics/pdfs/proposalfactsheet.pdf "Fact Sheet: Proposed Mercury and Air Toxics Standards"] EPA, accessed March 2011.</ref>
On May 16, 2011, the ''L.A. Times'' reported that the Obama administration had decided to delay the toxins rule on boilers indefinitely, although the proposed rule for power plants remains.<ref>Neela Banerjee, [http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-epa-emissions-20110517,0,4831405.story "EPA delays rule on industrial emissions"] LA Times, May 16, 2011.</ref> although EPA Administrator [[Lisa Jackson]] has said the proposed rule for power plants remains.<ref>[http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-may-19-2011/lisa-p--jackson "Daily Show: Lisa P. Jackson"] Daily Show, May 19, 2011.</ref>
==Leak detection and repair==