SPRINGFIELD-The state environmental officials clashed with power companies Monday over proposed mercury reduction rules.

The Illinois Pollution Control Board held the first of a series of public hearing on a proposal to lower mercury emissions, which are blamed for a variety of maladies from cardiovascular problems to birth defects.

"It is a logical step to take control of mercury emissions," said Jim Ross, manager for the bureau of air under the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Ross' suggestion that reducing mercury emissions would improve health and help the state's fishing industry drew immediate criticism from Sheldon Zabel, a lawyer representing Dynegy Midwest Generation.

"It's not expert testimony," Zabel said. "He's making statements to medical facts … And recreational benefits that quite frankly, he's not qualified for."

The proposal requires mercury emissions statewide be reduced 90 percent by July, 1 2009. Individual power plants must reduce emissions by 75 percent. By 2012, all plants must reach the 90 percent level.

State EPA officials were cross-examined for nearly four hours by attorneys for several Illinois-based power companies.

Questioning also revealed that no power company currently running a coal-fired plant in Illinois was told about the rule change before January, when it was announced. Talks about setting strict standards began in November 2005.

The state's prime concern is mercury that finds its way into the food supply through fish. State officials argue that coal-fired power plants spew mercury into the air. Rainfall transfers the substance into Illinois waterways and the fish population.

Marcia Willhite, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's chief if the bureau of water, said federal law requires all waterways to be kept "fishable and swimmable."

"Arguably, if the fish that are caught are not safe to eat, the 'fishable' goal is not being met," said Willhite in written testimony.

Hearings continue today.