The Environmental Impact of Coal
Burning coal is one of the leading cause of smog, acid rain, and toxic air pollution. Some emissions can be significantly reduced with readily available pollution controls, but most U.S. coal plants have not installed these technologies. Coal plants are the nation's top source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the primary cause of global warming. These plants are responsible for more than half of the U.S. human-caused emissions of mercury, a toxic heavy metal that causes brain damage and heart problems.
One strategy to help governments increase or decrease the reliance on Coal
When we burn coal for electricity, we place our health, our environment, and our planet at risk. It’s time to reduce our dependence on this polluting energy source.
There are nearly 600 coal-fired power plants operating in the United States today, producing almost half of the nation’s electricity. To decrease our reliance on coal, we must shut down the oldest and dirtiest coal plants and replace them with reliable and clean energy sources.
There are nearly 600 coal-fired power plants operating in the United States today, producing almost half of the nation’s electricity. To decrease our reliance on coal, we must shut down the oldest and dirtiest coal plants and replace them with reliable and clean energy sources.