The Dirty Truth about Coal:

  • Coal is a polluting power source of the past. It’s time to move beyond coal and invest in a clean energy economy that creates jobs and boosts the economy.

  • Continuing our dependence on coal chains us to dirty energy and prevents us from making the changes we need to bring about a clean energy future for our children and grandchildren.

  • From the mine to the plant, coal is our dirtiest source of energy—causing asthma and other health problems, destroying our mountains, and releasing toxic mercury into our communities.

  • We don’t need new coal. We can do better than coal, because there are healthier, cleaner options that can keep the lights on and help save you money on your energy bills.


    • Health & Community

  • Burning coal creates significant health impacts, including asthma, lung cancer, and other respiratory issues.

  • Each year in the U.S., pollution from coal-fired power plants causes 21,000 hospitalizations, 38,000 heart attacks and 24,000 deaths.

  • Coal-fired power plants are one of the largest sources of man-made mercury pollution in the U.S. Mercury pollution causes brain damage and other developmental problems in unborn children and infants, and has been linked to a greater risk of coronary heart disease in men.

    Economy & Costs

  • The cost of coal has almost doubled in the past year and is expected to continue rising. Those increased costs are already being passed on to ratepayers across the country.

  • The cost of building new coal plants has risen dramatically, 40-100% in many cases. Each coal plant now costs upwards of a billion dollars to construct.

    Global Warming

  • Coal-fired power plants emit almost 40% of the United States’ annual carbon dioxide emissions, making them a major contributor to global warming.

  • Scientists tell us that we need to reduce our global warming emissions 80% by 2050- a doable 2% a year- to avoid the worst consequences of global warming.

  • Carbon emissions from the remaining proposed 100 new power plants will cancel out steps states, businesses and other countries are taking now to curb global warming.

  • The majority of the proposed new plants will use the same outdated technology as current plants

    For additional talking points visit http://www.clubhouse.sierraclub.org/conservation/energy/coal/coal-talking-points-063008.doc

    POLLUTING GEORGIA TO GENERATE POWER

    Current Situation

  • Georgia ranks 11th in the nation for detrimental health impacts caused by power plants and each year in Georgia pollution from coal-fired power plants causes 1,352 heart attacks and 946 deaths.

  • Georgia already has the 2 most polluting coal-fired power plants in the country and if new coal plants are built they would lock GA into 50 more years of dirty, polluting energy.

  • There has not been a proposal for a new coal fired power plant in Georgia for over 20 years. Through a combination of energy efficiency initiatives and home-grown renewable energy sources such as biomass, wind, and solar power, Georgia can meet future energy demands without building any new costly coal plants.

    Longleaf Energy Station

  • Dynegy Inc., a Houston-based company, plans to build a huge 1200 MW coal-fired power plant in Early County, Georgia. This is a merchant plant, meaning the energy could be sold out of state.

  • This plant will unnecessarily emit 4,700 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) every year, affecting our state’s agriculture industry- especially the peanuts and Loblolly, Slash, and Shortleaf pines.

  • Up to 27,000,000 gallons per day of fresh water is allocated to the plant, affecting aquatic life and straining Georgia's resources.

    Plant Washington

  • Power4Georgians a coalition of 10 Electric Membership Corporations (EMC’s) is proposing to build an 850 MW coal-fired power plant in Washington County, Georgia.

  • According to Power4Georgians, this plant will cost $2 billion dollars to build, which could ultimately affect the energy rates of EMC customers.

  • If built this plant would have a significant impact on Georgia’s global warming pollution. The plant would release approximately 6-7 million tons of C02 into the atmosphere every year.

  • The plant will also emit smog-forming nitrogen oxides, toxic mercury and soot-forming sulfur dioxide, all of which have negative effect on Georgia’s air and water quality.

  • The plant would need between 13 and 16 million gallons of water per day to operate. To obtain this water a 30-mile pipeline will need to be created to the Oconee River for water intake. In addition, the plant will need to dig 16 wells in Washington County to withdraw groundwater for its water use during periods of drought.