An Obama-era rule has already reduced toxic air pollution like mercury from coal-fired power plants. So why did the EPA roll it back now? In a word, co-benefits.
In 1970, more than 20 million people helped celebrate an obscure new holiday known as Earth Day. And a storied Madison Avenue copywriter was a huge part of its success.
The two Washington County communities where the violations took place can apply to use part of the nearly $200,000 fine toward local parks and pollution reduction efforts.
The industry argued that waste coal isn't high enough quality to meet the pollution standards. Environmental groups say the move is bad for public health.
There are some similarities: a reluctance to admit to the scale of the problem and the need to take radical action very quickly on a global scale. And we have to listen to the scientists.
They say miners are at particular risk: “They get dressed, travel down the elevator together…work in confined spaces, breathe the same air, operate the same equipment, and use the same shower facilities.”
Reid R. Frazier covers energy for The Allegheny Front. His work has taken him as far away as Texas and Louisiana to report on the petrochemical industry and as close to home as Greene County, Pennsylvania to cover the shale gas boom. His award-winning work has also aired on NPR, Marketplace and other outlets. Reid is currently contributing to StateImpact Pennsylvania, a collaboration among The Allegheny Front, WESA, WITF and WHYY covering the Commonwealth's energy economy.
