Yet pollution emissions from these plants are wreaking havoc on the lungs of children, the sick and the elderly across the entire state, including the Philadelphia region hundreds of miles away. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem. National legislation is pending in Congress that would force older power plants to clean up their act or shut down. Senators Specter and Santorum should support such legislation, as should Pennsylvania's members of the U.S. House. But citizens can play an important role as well.
Consumers now have the right to choose their own electric supplier.
Too often, however, such choices are based only on price or the convenience of sticking with a known supplier. But consumers should also look at electric suppliers' track records on pollution before making their decisions. If Congress and consumers act together, we'll all breathe a little easier. Joseph Otis Minott is executive director of the Clean Air Council. If you experience any problems with the Daily News Web site, please let us know.