When coal or oil plants are converted to use natural gas, they burn cleaner but still produce harmful emissions. Oil, coal, natural gas or other petroleum-based resources are called fossil fuels because they are formed by the decayed remains of prehistoric plants and animals. Large dams can change natural river flows, degrade water quality and block fish migration. Smaller facilities can also have a high impact if they lack mitigation measures such as fish ladders that protect spawning or if they are located in sensitive areas. Nuclear plants create dangerous radioactive wastes that are difficult to dispose and last for centuries.
Nuclear plants pose a risk of catastrophic disaster.
Radionuclide emissions from power plants are believed to be linked to health problems in nearby communities. The pollution released into our environment by fossil fuel and nuclear plants have significantly negative impacts on health and quality of life. Today, the electric power system is the largest single source of industrial air pollution in the nation and the biggest source of radioactive pollution. Mercury and other toxic metals accumulate in fish, enter the food chain and threaten our health. Get involved in efforts to push our power companies and our government agencies to promote environmentally sound energy options.