DIRTY COAL IS DIRTY

When the energy waste of Americans leads to the environmental destruction caused by MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL to fuel coal-burning power plants that spew particulates and soot and mercury that sterilizes lakes across our great land, that increases asthma in children, why can't we conserve?

Conservation isn't sitting in the dark and freezing, but rather adequately insulating our homes, installing CFLs (compact fluorescent lights), buying the most energy efficient appliances available when replacing old appliances, sealing those air leaks that cause heat loss, killing the energy VAMPIRES that use power when not in use, like the vcr, dvd player, tv, computer, battery chargers, by installing those inexpensive power strips and other nominal steps that will level the playing field and allow Americans to compete with our European counterparts without wasting money on energy costs.

I sometimes wonder what legacy we are leaving to the next generation, if there is one.

There are links below that provide additional information about DIRTY COAL. (Email subscriptions are available for GRIST)

Dear Umbra,
I noticed that several of the presidential primary debates were sponsored by clean coal. This was announced during breaks and several commercials aired. I have since seen several more commercials and online advertisements. Is clean coal an oxymoron? Is this a PR stunt or are there any real environmental benefits to clean coal that rival solar and wind? See www.americaspower.org. GRIST (for complete answer or to subscribe)

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....coal is affiliated with our most famous environmental problems here in the U.S.: Almost all acid rain is coal-derived; coal is the leading source of mercury emissions; mountaintop removal mining has destroyed ecosystems in the Southeast; and now, it is one of two fuel sources most closely affiliated with global climate change.
It is this last infamy that so concerns not only coal executives but anyone with half an ear tuned to the dire radio station of the future. Coal is a currently cheap, plentiful domestic fuel; it is also plentiful in other electricity-hungry nations such as India and China. In the U.S., electricity from coal already produces more carbon dioxide emissions than the entire transportation sector.

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Not that coal has any undue advantage
Coal industry sponsors another presidential debate GRIST

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Do you suppose there might be a reason that DIRTY COAL sponsored the debates of the Presidential Candidates?

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Sponsorship of tonight’s debate appears aimed at influencing Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R), who is leading a “crusade against coal.” Crist has unveiled a plan to reduce his state’s carbon dioxide emissions by replacing coal plants with solar thermal power plants. He has also canceled plans to build new coal plants that were pushed by his predecessor, Jeb Bush. GRIST

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DIRTY COALS' PROPAGANDA