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Newsletter
LNG exports linked to deaths and rising health costs, report finds
A new report from Greenpeace and Sierra Club reveals that liquefied natural gas exports in the U.S. cause around 60 premature deaths and nearly $1 billion in annual health costs, with numbers expected to rise significantly if planned terminals are built.
In short:
- LNG export facilities currently contribute to 60 premature deaths and $957 million in health costs annually.
- Planned expansions could increase these numbers to 149 deaths and $2.33 billion in costs.
- Minority communities near these facilities are disproportionately affected by the pollution.
Key quote:
“We found those numbers stunning.”
— Andres Chang, senior research specialist at Greenpeace and study co-author
Why this matters:
Expanding LNG exports not only exacerbates climate change but also imposes serious health risks, particularly on marginalized communities. Regulatory actions could mitigate these harms, potentially saving lives and billions in health costs.
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Newsletter
EPA settles Texas suit, agrees to decide on pollution plan in East Texas
Noah Alcala Bach writes in the Texas Tribune about the EPA's settlement of a a lawsuit the Sierra Club brought over pollution from an East Texas coal-burning power plant. The agreement requires the EPA to weigh in on the state’s plan to improve air quality in Rusk and Panola counties.
In a nutshell:
The Sierra Club accused the EPA of delays in approving or rejecting the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's plan, which the Sierra Club deemed inadequate and urged the EPA to reject. Under the settlement, the EPA must either accept Texas' plan or issue its own improved plan to address air quality in the counties by December 13, 2024. Residents in the area have experienced respiratory issues and health problems linked to the power plant's emissions, and hope the settlement will bring positive changes to their communities.
Key quote:
“We’ve seen in the past that while Texas plans are generally not adequate, the federal government puts together much more thorough plans that result in better air quality,” said Emma Pabst, a campaign representative for Sierra Club.
The big picture:
The emissions from coal plants release harmful pollutants into the air, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and mercury. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like asthma, and increase the risk of heart and lung diseases. Communities living close to coal power plants may experience higher rates of cancer, cardiovascular issues, and other health problems due to prolonged exposure to these pollutants.
Read the full story in the Texas Tribune.
Research shows that coal energy pollution may result in up to 57,000 premature deaths every year in the U.S.; switching to solar energy might reduce these deaths, writes Brian Bienkowski.
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Rep. Emanuel Cleaver wants the federal government to throw out Missouri’s regional haze plan
Congressional representatives from St. Louis and Kansas City and environmental groups argue the state’s plan doesn’t make meaningful attempts to reduce the pollution that causes haze.
Some big green groups drawing more foundation money than all environmental justice groups combined
Foundations have given more money to individual green groups, including the Sierra Club, the Environmental Defense Fund, and The Nature Conservancy, than to every U.S. environmental justice group put together, according to a new analysis.
Alex Trembath, Vijaya Ramachandran: The Malthusians are back
Climate activists who worry that the world has too many people are joining an ugly tradition.
Water, climate change top legislative issues for Sierra Club, activists
Environmental advocates will take their legislative priority list to the capitol Tuesday, lobbying lawmakers to act on water, climate and land.
Coal-fired power plant in New Jersey to be imploded for clean power
A former coal-fired power plant in New Jersey will be imploded Friday, and its owners are expected to announce plans for a new clean energy venture on the site.
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