Colstrip: the Worst in the West
PSE's Coal Plant is the Worst in the West
In terms of carbon pollution, PSE’s coal plant is the dirtiest coal-burning power plant in the Western states, and the eighth dirtiest nationwide. The amount of carbon pollution that spews from Colstrip’s smokestacks is almost equal to two eruptions at Mt. St. Helen’s every year. Here in Washington we’re already experiencing the impact of extreme weather events; drought; flooding; stormwater pollution; and earlier river runoff.
From cradle to grave, mining and burning coal wreaks havoc on the health and vibrancy of our communities. Coal mining rips up landscapes, pollutes and buries waterways, and causes air pollution. It also leads to serious health problems among miners and local communities. Burning coal produces smog, soot, mercury and other toxic air pollutants and carbon pollution.
Air and water pollution from PSE’s coal plant threaten local ranchers’ water supply and causes life-threatening disease near the plant. Rosebud County, where Colstrip is located, has the 3rd highest asthma rate in Montana. Ranchers and Native American tribes are caught in an endless struggle with this irresponsible and polluting plant.
