Emissions from Indiana's power plants, such as this one on South Harding Street in Indianapolis, contain chemicals that researchers are linking to a variety of mental development disabilities. Courtesy IPL
In a December 15 op-ed in the Louisville Courier-Journal, Indiana Senator Dan Coats addresses the ongoing efforts of the EPA to regulate the toxins pouring out of coal-fired power plants, by calling it a “war on coal” and that the “already fragile economy” will suffer a “devastating blow…”
Coats adds that the administration is “intent on pursuing political priorities at the expense of jobs.”
He’s joining with Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. to delay EPA rules with their Fair Compliance Act. That’s right, a bi-partisan-effort on the parts of Coats and Manchin to ensure that mercury and other toxins continue to pour forth. You can be compliant by breathing and ingesting the toxins.
What is the only thing Coats says in his tirade about coal plants’ harmful effects? “While cleaning our air is a worthy goal…” That’s it, folks, the teeny-tiniest of caveats. Earth to Coats: Mercury goes into the air, and fouls it, but lo and behold, drops to the earth, poisoning our rivers, lakes and soil. And thus us.
Apparently, the health of his constituents is superseded by the economic fragility of the region.
How did we get here, this stranglehold, of politicians protecting outmoded means of energy production? How did we get to the point where it’s always ‘economy vs. environment’?
I think we need a new political system: a Pro-Health party or an Anti-Health party. Then people can vote accordingly.
You, citizen, may very well put economy over the environment. Fair enough. So vote NOT for a Democrat or a Republican, but for a Pro-Health candidate or an Anti-Health candidate.
Or, how about voting for the Breathing Party vs. the Respirator Party.
Our politicians have failed to protect us from the pollutions created by our industrialized world of fossil fuels and automobiles. We comply by using these fuels instead of renewable energy, and driving our cars.
Together, we are ruining the ecosystem.
That’s the doom part. Now let’s get to the bloom.
Do not buy into the environment vs. economy paradigm. Change the frame. To health and ill-health. To nature and anti-nature. Whatever frame fits you best.
Get involved.
Hoosier Environmental Council has long studied the effects of coal-fired plants and has a legislative agenda you can get involved in.
Improving Kids Environment has also studied the effects of pollution — with the angle of protecting children.
Sierra Club has a variety of initiatives in envisioning a coal-free Indiana, including their Beyond Coal campaign.
Start your own organization or political party.
Even if we can’t stop the juggernaut of government and fossil fuel magnates, we can sure have some fun trying.
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