The Deadly Truth about Coal
COAL: DEADLY FOR OUR HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Coal is the single most polluting energy source used in electricity generation. Burning coal to create electricity produces more carbon dioxide (CO2), mercury, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) than any other fuel source. SO2 emissions create acid rain. Nox is a chief component of ground-level ozone, or smog. Mercury is neurotoxin especially dangerous to children and it poisons our water and aquatic life. CO2 is the most prevalent greenhouse gas, which is contributing to global warming.
Find out how much coal is in your energy mix>>
Global Warming
Coal-fired power plants are major contributors to global warming. There are numerous coal-fired power plants operating in our region. Click below to learn how your state is affected by coal-burning power plants.
Destroying Ecosytems
Mountain top removal for coal has destroyed more than 320,000 acres of prime mountain ecosystems in nearby Appalachia in the past ten years. Another 300,000 acres are slated for annihilation over the next decade.
Facts About Mountain Top Removal
i love mountains: Take Action to stop MTR
Coal is not entirely home grown
Coal is not an entirely domestic source of power. In fact, the amount of coal that is imported is skyrocketing. Coal imports doubled from the year 2000-2003, reaching an all time record according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA). Though the total percent of coal that is imported remains small (just 3%), the fact remains that it is a fast growing segment. The three biggest exporters of coal to the United States are Colombia, Venezuela and Indonesia.
False Hope: Why carbon capture and storage won't save the climate
Carbon Capture and Storage (CSS) or "clean coal" technology is a false solution to the climate crisis. It would capture carbon dioxide from coal plants and other fossil-fuel power stations and sequester it underground. While a lot of money is being funneled into research and development of this technology, sequestering carbon underground is risky, unproven and expensive. It has, however, been used to justify the construction of new, dirty coal plants-citing future cleanliness.
Read more about CSS: Report from Greenpeace, "False Hope: Why carbon capture and storage won't save the climate," May 2008
