On November 29, 2011, the National Journal Daily reported that the Edison Electric Institute (“EEI”) is seeking a national security exemption in order to provide more time to comply with the upcoming implementation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule (“MATS”).   Currently the EPA is scheduled to implement its Maximum Achievable Control Technology (“MACT”) standards for electric generating units (EGUs), which EPA is calling its MATS rule on December 16, 2011 (see October 31, 2011 edition of the WER).  According to the National Journal Daily, EEI is asking President Obama to issue an executive order under the Clean Air Act giving utilities more time to comply with the standard because the current time frame could force some utilities to shut down and trigger power shortages at military bases, causing a national security concern.