Beyond Coal Massachusetts
Coal Free T
The MBTA has made great investments in energy efficiency, wind, and solar to reduce energy consumption in the nation's oldest subway system, but the majority of their energy still comes from power plants using dirty fossil fuels. These unhealthy power plants contribute to global warming and high asthma rates in low-income neighborhoods and communities. Print a copy of our petition and ask your friends and fellow T riders to support a coal free T.
Call Senator Brown
EPA and health professionals agree carbon dioxide pollution is a major health threat – exacerbating respiratory illnesses, increasing hospital visits and even causing premature death. The Clean Air Act has worked for 40 years to address similar pollution problems and to save lives. Standing in the way of the EPA doing its job to clean up pollution will put America’s families at risk.
Senator Brown voted for legislation that would stop the EPA from making badly-needed updates to clean air safeguards to protect public health from carbon pollution. The amendment was rejected
The Facts: Clean Air Standards Save Lives
The Clean Air Act Works. Because of the Clean Air Act, soot and smog have been cut dramatically through reductions in pollution from power plants, vehicles, and other industries. Harmful air toxics from large industrial sources, such as chemical plants, petroleum refineries, and paper mills, have been reduced by nearly 70 percent. New cars purchased today are well over 90 percent cleaner than a new vehicle purchased in 1970, when the Act was first passed. The Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act. Accessed 4/22/11.]
The Clean Air Act Saves Lives. In 2010, the Clean Air Act saved the lives of 160,000 adults and 230 infants. Clean Air Act Protections also prevented 130,000 non-fatal heart attacks, 86,000 emergency room visits, and 1.7 million acute asthma attacks in 2010 alone. It also prevented 3.2 million lost school days and 84 million minor restricted activity days. [“The Benefits and Costs of the Clean Air Act from 1990 to 2020.” Table 5-6. Environmental Protection Agency, March 2011]
Carbon Pollution is a Major Health Risk. EPA and health professionals agree carbon dioxide pollution endangers public health and welfare, including by exacerbating ground-level ozone pollution that triggers asthma attacks. The Clean Air Act has worked for 40 years to address similar pollution problems. Standing in the way of the EPA doing its job to clean up pollution will put America’s families at risk.
Senator Scott Brown (202) 204-4543
The coal burning plants in Massachusetts: Salem Harbor Station, Mount Tom (Holyoke), and Brayton Point Station (Somerset), are the largest air polluters in the Commonwealth. The Beyond Coal to Clean Energy campaign in Massachusetts is focused on smart energy solutions that will keep Massachusetts healthy and free from unwanted dirty fuel sources. Volunteer to become a Clean Energy Hero by clicking here and be a part of our winning team.
If you'd like to help fight against coal, join our social networking site Climate Crossroads to start your own grassroots movement and find others who share your concerns.
Protect People Not Polluters
- Sample Letter to the Editor - Hundreds of people read LTE's every day. Just 250 words are very effective
- Air Toxics (MACT) Fact Sheet - Know the facts on how the EPA is fighting to make our air clean and us healthy.
- New Source Performance Standard Fact Sheet - A strong NSPS rule by the EPA will finally place a limit on greenhouse gas emissions
- New Source Performance Standard Talking Points - Be smart in your conversations on NSPS
Coalition Partners
Pioneer Valley Clean Air
There are three dirty coal plants in Massachusetts that have been polluting our air and making us sick since 1952.
Press Releases
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