The emission of mercury, toxic chemical that damages nervous system, must be reduced, the EPA is expected to rule out Tuesday.

The Environmental Protection Agency said it will issue regulations to cut the emission of the toxic chemical which may seriously damage the health of children and adults.

The agency will reduce the annual tonnage of mercury from smokestacks of coal-burning power plants to 31.3 tons in 2010 from 48 tons in 2004.

Last year’s plan was to cut mercury emissions by 70% by 2018, but it was decided that long-term emissions may jeopardize public health.

The group also said that cutting mercury emissions will lead to $3 billion to $8 billion losses for utilities companies.