2009.09.29 Press Release
Christmas in September Rally Targets Dirty Coal
National Day of Action Calls for Strong Rules to Clean Up Coal
NEW ORLEANS, LA - One of dozens of events held nationwide to fight special clean up exemptions for coal, the Louisiana Sierra Club held a rally last week in front of Entergy Tower in New Orleans, LA. Rallying on Tuesday, September 29th in front of Entergy's headquarters at Entergy Tower in New Orleans, a spirited crowed gathered to deliver the message that Louisianan's want strong regulations to help clean up coal produced pollution, including soot, smog and mercury from facilities like the Entergy R.S. Nelson Plant in Westlake, LA.
"In spite of the contributions and hard work of the employees in the coal industry, coal is still one of the dirtiest industries - from the mine, to the smokestack, to the ash pond. It threatens public health at every stage of its life cycle," said Jordan Macha, Conservation Organizer for the Sierra Club.
Burning coal in old and inefficient coal plants, like the Entergy R.S. Nelson Plant in Louisiana and White Bluff Plant in Arkansas, creates significant health impacts - causing asthma, lung cancer and other respiratory issues. These old, dirty coal plants are among the worst contributors to the 21,000 hospitalizations, 38,000 heart attacks, and 24,000 premature deaths caused each year by coal pollution. They are also a major source of global warming pollution, emitting over 30% of our nation's carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Though it has spent millions on 'clean' coal advertising, the truth is that the coal industry has for years actively fought against cleaning up the existing coal fleet. That's why strong regulations are vital to protect families and communities from coal's dangerous side effects.
"It will take more than glitzy advertising to clean up coal. It's time for the coal industry to stop trying to block common sense regulations that will protect communities and the environment," said Macha. "We need to clean up coal and get to work building a clean energy economy."