Coal burning plants spread nitrogen oxides resulting in ground level ozone or smog, sulfur oxides which increase acid rain, and carbon dioxide which increases health the greenhouse effect. About a third of all mercury released into the environment by human activity comes from coal fired plants. But this leads to another problem, loss of jobs for workers who mine the coal or work in the power plants. Coronado says solutions are possible. Energy can be produced by cleaner technologies.
Recycling can be profitable.
A jobs and economic transition program must be worked out with government and industry at the table. Unions like steel and auto should be looking at a just transition strategy. This means put just transition on the bargaining table and make it a strike issue if necessary. It means communities supporting unions in this struggle because they have an important stake in the outcome and that means unions need to stop burying their heads in the sand and recognize that change is inevitable. Whether it's old people and children getting sick or the Federal government paying for clean-up the costs are borne by society.