coal pollution
Credit: Sherwood411/Flickr
A portrait of pollution around Canada’s busiest port
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation is pushing for stricter regulations to protect Burrard Inlet from industrial pollution, as a leaked video highlights the challenges of enforcement.
In short:
- Toxic waste, sewage, and industrial chemicals pollute Burrard Inlet, making shellfish unsafe to eat and limiting recreational use.
- The Tsleil-Waututh Nation has co-developed new water quality standards with the B.C. government to restore the inlet and allow safe seafood harvesting.
- A leaked video of a coal spill at Neptune Terminals raises concerns about unreported spills and ongoing contamination.
Key quote:
“The establishment of these water quality objectives, using this more risk-based approach that recognizes coastal Indigenous lifeways, I think that’s already a really exciting and important step.”
— Amanda Giang, assistant professor in the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability at the University of British Columbia
Why this matters:
Addressing the severe pollution in Burrard Inlet is important for public health and the environment, reflecting the conflicting industrial pollution and Indigenous rights. The successful implementation of new water quality standards could serve as a model for other polluted waterways. Read more: “Stop hurting us:” Protestors plead for their health outside a Pittsburgh gathering of coal and steel execs.
Keep reading...Show less
Top Story
Credit: Brett Ciccotelli/Flickr
Biden's aggressive new climate policy targets coal pollution
President Biden has introduced stringent regulations on coal power plants to reduce pollution and transition to cleaner energy sources.
In short:
- The new EPA regulations mandate the installation of carbon capture technology at coal-fired power plants by 2032.
- These rules are part of a broader package aiming to cut mercury emissions and manage coal waste more effectively.
- While these regulations are a significant move towards cleaner energy, they have been met with resistance from both the coal industry and some political figures.
- Despite a number of recent actions by the administration to combat climate change, young progressives are expressing frustration about the green lighting of some high-profile fossil fuel projects.
Key quote:
"Biden can't create green jobs on Monday, on Tuesday approve a big oil export project, and then expect young people to turn out in the numbers that he needs us to."
— Stevie O'Hanlon, spokesperson for the youth climate group Sunrise Movement
Why this matters:
This big regulatory push by the Biden administration reflects a delicate balancing act in addressing environmental challenges while navigating political and economic landscapes in an election year. Read more: “Stop hurting us:” Protestors plead for their health outside a Pittsburgh gathering of coal and steel execs.
Keep reading...Show less
Credit: timofeev/BigStock Photo ID:283509370
The true cost of cleaning British Columbia mines skyrockets
A recent analysis reveals that addressing the pollution from British Columbia's Elk Valley coal mines, specifically selenium contamination, may cost more than $6.4 billion, far exceeding earlier estimates.
Francesca Fionda and Ainslie Cruickshank report for The Narwhal.
In short:
- The cleanup cost for BC's largest mining operation is significantly underestimated, posing financial risks to taxpayers.
- An independent report challenges the $1.9 billion security held by the province for Teck's mines cleanup, suggesting the actual cost could be much higher.
- Teck disputes the report's findings, asserting their commitment to covering all reclamation expenses without taxpayer burden.
Key quote:
“They’ve severely underplayed the problem and B.C. taxpayers stand to foot a multi-billion-dollar bill if anything goes wrong,”
— Simon Wiebe, a mining policy and impacts researcher at Wildsight
Why this matters:
Be it coal mines or abandoned oil and gas wells, dodging remediation costs and shifting the financial burden to taxpayers is a common occurrence in the fossil fuel space. Coal especially, spreads toxics during every phase of extraction, transportation, consumption and waste management.
Keep reading...Show less
Credit: Silvia Alba/Flickr
The Government vacancy that could cost West Virginians billions
The coal industry has profited from pollution, and they’d like taxpayers to pay for the cleanup. The office that’s supposed to tackle this still doesn’t have a director.
Environmental groups use Newport News, Norfolk as examples to seek further regulations on coal pollution
More than a dozen environmental groups have petitioned that the EPA be more strict on regulations regarding coal pollution from open-top trains, and the group cites communities in Hampton Roads as evidence of a need for change.
Georgia coal ash pond neighbors channel frustrations through proposed EPA crackdown in Alabama
EPA hearing on Alabama power utility coal ash regulations holds implications for Georgia Power cleanup, waters.
Photo by Joe Dudeck on Unsplash
US coal plant closure emphasises health benefits of cleaner air
Decrease in hospital visits for heart problems shows impact could be greater than previously thought.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
