Jessica King, jessica.king@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A report released by the Sierra Club today reveals soot pollution from coal-fired power plants causes 3,800 premature deaths every year, with just 10 percent of coal plants responsible for over half of the deaths.
The report, titled “Out of Control: The Deadly Impact of Coal Pollution,” investigates the extent and effect of soot pollution from coal-fired power plants in the United States, where that pollution is felt, which plants and parent companies are at fault, and what can be done to ensure all communities have clean air.
The report is also accompanied by an interactive dashboard that anyone can use to determine not only the impact of soot pollution in their community but the companies and coal plants directly responsible.
Key findings of the report include:
- Just 17 coal plants are responsible for over half of all premature deaths from soot pollution released by coal plants.
- Only four percent of premature deaths from coal-fired power plants occur in the same county where the plant is located, and only 18 percent of premature mortality from remaining coal-fired power plants occurs in the same state where the plant is located.
- Some states are "importers" of soot pollution's burdens, meaning they experience more harm than they cause, while other states "export" a lot of soot pollution and its burdens to other states. For example, soot pollution from coal plants in Kentucky kills 304 people outside of the state’s borders every year, while 234 people die in New York every year due to soot pollution from coal plants–although New York does not have any active coal plants.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous released the following statement:
“This report proves what communities across the country know all too well: soot pollution kills. All communities–regardless of their zip code, income, or race–have the right to breathe clean air, and it is simply unacceptable that thousands of people are left to die from coal plant pollution every year when we have clean energy alternatives readily available.
“Right now, the Biden Administration is considering soot standards that, if strengthened, can save 20,000 lives every year. President Biden and EPA Administrator Regan must do what’s right for our health and our communities and finalize a strong soot standard, and continue to use every tool in the toolbox to slash deadly air pollution. Nothing less than our lives are at stake.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.