Student Operated Press newswire, April 27, 2007 GALVESTON - Today the Environmental Protection Agency welcomed the University of Texas Medical Branch into its national partnership for pollution reduction. As a member of the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities, the Galveston school pledges to replace mercury-bearing equipment at its facility. "Protecting public health and the environment is a team effort," said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  "EPA is honored to have the University of Texas Medical Branch join us and our other partners in making a positive environmental impact by cutting pollution." The National Partnership for Environmental Priorities consists of both public and private organizations that work with EPA to reduce usage or release of 31 priority chemicals beyond what is legally required. Reduction of these chemicals is important because of their ability to build up in the environment, causing harm to humans and the ecosystem. Mercury is one such priority chemical that can get into water and build up in fish, shellfish and animals that eat fish.