What is the Mercury Export Ban Act intended to do?
The Mercury Export Ban Act (PDF) (8 pp, 166K) (MEBA or the Act; Public Law No. 110-414), which became law on October 14, 2008, is intended to reduce the availability of elemental mercury in domestic and international markets. By reducing the supply of elemental mercury in commerce, the Act aims to reduce the use of mercury in artisanal mining and for other commercial purposes globally. The Act does this by prohibiting the export of elemental mercury as of January 1, 2013, and requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to designate and operate a facility (or facilities) for the purpose of long-term management and storage of elemental mercury generated in the United States. The Act also prohibits the transfer of elemental mercury held by federal agencies as of the date of enactment in order to further control the flow of elemental mercury in the domestic market.
