President Obama's administration put forth a bold plan on Monday at a U.N. environmental meeting. Speaking at the 25th Global Ministerial Environment Forum at the United Nations Environment Program headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, the U.S. asked for negotiations to begin on a legally binding international treaty to reduce mercury in the environment.

According to a press release from Daniel Reifsnyder, the deputy assistant secretary of state for environment and sustainable development, the U.S wants negotiations to begin this year and conclude within three years on a global, legally binding instrument for controlling the release of mercury. According to a proposal obtained by the Associated Press, the program would include United Nations assistance to other countries for reducing their mercury use.

"It is clear mercury is the most important global chemical issue facing us today that calls for immediate action," Reifsnyder said.

If passed, the U.S. would certainly be the most affected party, as much of the nation's energy comes from burning coal.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was touring Western Asia at the time of the U.N. meeting, and did not make the announcement.