FPP ranks as one of the top 50 plants in U.S. in mercury emissions (2010), and is one of the top 100 plants in the U.S. for CO2 emissions (2011). The City controls a regional point source of toxic emissions and any decrease in point source air pollution could produce immediate and significant health benefits for children, seniors, and people with chronic respiratory problems throughout the region.
We believe that all Central Texans deserve to breathe clean air. While we appreciate the City’s efforts to upgrade scrubbers for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, it is imperative that the plant is not sold, which would likely result in the increased operation of FPP and thereby increased regional pollution.
Updates
November 19, 2013
The silence from the city officials has been heavy lately. I am spending my evenings tracking down data on these emissions so we have the facts ready when they finally decide to listen.
November 19, 2013
Reaching this threshold proves that people are finally seeing what this plant is doing to our air. My energy is running low but seeing this level of momentum keeps me focused on the target ahead.
12 Comments
I usually come at Fayette from a climate change point of view. But real public health risks have come out of the stacks of Fayette since the 70's and continue today. These health impacts are on us as Austin Energy customers - and shareholders - as long as we continue to run this plant. Morally - it's on our watch.
The cost of electric power generation must include the expenses of long-term adverse health effects on the affected population. Coal-fired plant owners must NOT be allowed to make a profit without paying the cost of health care for those who become ill from exposure to pollutants generated by those plants. There is no excuse for generating "dirty power" in the 21st century.
The number of patients I see suffering the effects of environmental toxicity is growing -- and they're starting younger, too. Austin needs to lead the way in choosing public health by seeking smarter energy choices.
"Cheap" energy isn't cheap if it causes spikes in ER admissions and expenses for neurological and respiratory problems.
There are also health costs associated with the Fayette plant's contribution to global warming. Increased weather disasters cost lives, severe heat events costs lives, and weather related drought imperils our food production and access to water for drinking. The problem is complicated, but that does not mean we should not work for answers. Our children and grandchildren are depending on us.
This is so concerning for the citizens of Austin!
These health and environmental risks are on us. Our elected Austin City Council needs to act on our efforts to replace this pollution with clean energy.
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FPP ranks as one of the top 50 plants in U.S. in mercury emissions (2010), and is one of the top 100 plants in the U.S. for CO2 emissions (2011). The City controls a regional point source of toxic emissions and any decrease in point source air pollution could produce immediate and significant health benefits for children, seniors, and people with chronic respiratory problems throughout the region.
We believe that all Central Texans deserve to breathe clean air. While we appreciate the City’s efforts to upgrade scrubbers for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, it is imperative that the plant is not sold, which would likely result in the increased operation of FPP and thereby increased regional pollution.
Updates
November 19, 2013
The silence from the city officials has been heavy lately. I am spending my evenings tracking down data on these emissions so we have the facts ready when they finally decide to listen.
November 19, 2013
Reaching this threshold proves that people are finally seeing what this plant is doing to our air. My energy is running low but seeing this level of momentum keeps me focused on the target ahead.
12 Comments
As a public health professional I know the harmful effects of air pollution from coal plants. Particulate matter aggravates a number of health conditions and can be a contributor in asthma attacks and other respiratory issues, heart attacks, and premature deaths. Don't externalize the costs of energy to the residents of Fayette County. Take responsibility and move our city to clean energy to help improve the health of all Texans.
I usually come at Fayette from a climate change point of view. But real public health risks have come out of the stacks of Fayette since the 70's and continue today. These health impacts are on us as Austin Energy customers - and shareholders - as long as we continue to run this plant. Morally - it's on our watch.
The cost of electric power generation must include the expenses of long-term adverse health effects on the affected population. Coal-fired plant owners must NOT be allowed to make a profit without paying the cost of health care for those who become ill from exposure to pollutants generated by those plants. There is no excuse for generating "dirty power" in the 21st century.
The number of patients I see suffering the effects of environmental toxicity is growing -- and they're starting younger, too. Austin needs to lead the way in choosing public health by seeking smarter energy choices.
"Cheap" energy isn't cheap if it causes spikes in ER admissions and expenses for neurological and respiratory problems.
There are also health costs associated with the Fayette plant's contribution to global warming. Increased weather disasters cost lives, severe heat events costs lives, and weather related drought imperils our food production and access to water for drinking. The problem is complicated, but that does not mean we should not work for answers. Our children and grandchildren are depending on us.
This is so concerning for the citizens of Austin!
These health and environmental risks are on us. Our elected Austin City Council needs to act on our efforts to replace this pollution with clean energy.
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As a public health professional I know the harmful effects of air pollution from coal plants. Particulate matter aggravates a number of health conditions and can be a contributor in asthma attacks and other respiratory issues, heart attacks, and premature deaths. Don't externalize the costs of energy to the residents of Fayette County. Take responsibility and move our city to clean energy to help improve the health of all Texans.