Megan Wittman, megan.wittman@sierraclub.org
St. Paul, MN - This week, Sierra Club released a new report, “Out of Control: The Deadly Impact of Coal Pollution.” This report explores the extent and effect of particulate pollution from the country’s remaining coal-fired power plants to understand where that pollution is felt and which plants and parent companies are most responsible.
The report comes ahead of the North Dakota Industrial Commission possibly bringing suit against the state of Minnesota over the 100% clean energy law that was signed last month. North Dakota generates most of its power from coal and sells approximately 50% of its electricity to nearby states, its biggest customer being Minnesota.
According to the report, soot pollution from coal-burning power plants is responsible for 3,800 premature deaths annually. Two plants in North Dakota, Antelope Valley and Coyote, are among the most deadly remaining coal-fired power plants, contributing to over 50% of premature deaths caused by soot pollution.
In addition to premature death, polluted air has been linked to increased asthma rates, bronchitis, blood clots, heart attacks, lung cancer, diabetes, and numerous other adverse health impacts. In 2021, researchers at the University of Chicago estimated that air pollution reduces life expectancy by more than two years. The vast majority of this pollution is from the combustion of fossil fuels.
In response, Patty O’Keefe, Senior Campaign Representative, Beyond Coal Campaign, released the following statement:
“The passage of the clean energy bill this session is a testament to Minnesotans’ demand for our state to address the climate crisis. Not only are clean energy alternatives more affordable than ever, but this report demonstrates the severity our reliance on coal has on our health and well-being.
“It is outrageous that the North Dakota Industrial Commission is preparing to sue Minnesota over our clean energy law. When clean energy alternatives are more affordable, safe, and better for our climate, there is simply no excuse to continue to depend on dirty fossil fuels. North Dakota’s potential suit over the clean energy law demonstrates its belief that corporate profits are worth more than our health and our lives.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.