EPA Atlanta Clean Power HearingTestimony Marlene Taylor
My name is Marlene Taylor and I'm from Knoxville, Tennessee. I work as
a freelance writer andjournalist. Thankyou for allowing me to testify today. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one ofthe mostbeautiful places on Earth, is under serious attack- again. First it was the lumber companies that sliced and diced their way through the mountains. Thankfully and not a moment too soon, President Roosevelt set aside the land for future generations-- like me. Today's threat is pollution that affects every aspect ofthe park- the air, the soil, the water, and all life. I grew up visitingthe park often, hiking its trails or picnicking beside
one ofthe many mesmerizing streams that flows down from the peaks, and breathingin that wonderful, oxygenated air. Those visits instilled in me something I can't fully explain, otherthan to say that each time I moved away from East Tennessee, I missed them terribly. Iremember tearing up in a California bookstorejust seeing a photograph ofthe Blue Ridge Mountains swathed in those familiar shades ofblue and gray. Nothing ever seemed quite
as beautiful as they are. The scientists who evaluate the air and the air currents tell us that the park is downwind ofmany sources ofair pollution, includingpower plants, factories, vehicles and agriculture

- sources that are both nearby and regional, such as pollution stacks along the Ohio River and industrial cities ofthe Midwest and Southeast (includingKnoxville.) (www.nature.nps.gov/air/permits/aris/grsm/index.cfm)."Power plants" and "pollution stacks" are the key terms here. Burning coal is the major contributor ofnotjust one type ofair pollution but nearly all types: sulfur dioxide causes acidification ofsoil and water. Nitrogen oxides
cause ground-level ozone. Mercury causes brain damage and heartproblems and arsenic causes cancer. Then there's lead, other heavymetals, and particulate matter, which we breathe into our lungs. (http: 

### I!www.ucsusa.org

### Icleanenergy/coalvswind/cO2.html). Particulates also are why people in Knoxville can no longer see Mt. LeConte; nor do visitors in the parkhave clear vistas as they try to sightsee their way across the mountains. The toxin levels ofacid deposition in the parkexceed what scientists call

a "critical load," meaning levels have surpassed those that are not likely to be harmful and are indeed inflicting damage, particularly on trees and aquatic life. Do you wantto go fly-fishing in a mountain stream? Ifwe continue burning coal and emitting sulfuric acid, that likely will not be possible because neither the trout nor the insects they eat can survive in acidic water. Want to go on a wildflower hike-- like millions ofothervisitors-- to see
rare flowering plants found only in this park? You should go now. And don't expect that your descendants will be able to do the same. Ozone is rough on these delicate herbs, burning away their leaves. These plants are not tough pioneer species but require very special conditions and are as delicate as a Lady's Slipper. We often have Orange Alert Days in Knoxville, when the media tell us to limit ourtime outdoors because ofhigh levels ofground-level ozone. We areadvised to keep our children in doors because their sensitive lungtissue can be burned and irreparably damaged bythe ground-level ozone. I actually know how that feels

-- Imyselfexperience some shortness ofbreath and develop a slight cough when I'm outside during those times. And Ican tell you that on some days, you can't drive in Knoxville with your windows down. For me, Iget a headache from the emissions and have to seal myselfin, even on a beautiful spring or fall day. Iwant to ask: What were we thinkingwhen we ignored the harmful effects ofcoal-burning and didn't' do enough to keep us from reaching this level ofpollution? Instead I respectfully ask that you, the Environmental Protection Agency, please fulfill your mission to protect our environment- to significantly slow and reduce the amount ofcoal being burned and restrictits
use as an energy source. In essence, to take action immediately and, atthe very least, follow the steps President Obama laid outin his Climate Action Plan. Thank you. Marlene Taylor 3917 GreenleafAvenue Knoxville, TN 37919 Taylor8246@bellsouth.net