151 coal plants are in the planning, permitting, or construction phase across the US. As national plans for a carbon cap gain momentum, big business is rushing to build their last coal plants. But it’s not just that these coal plants would negate any current efforts to reduce global warming pollution, communities that host coal mines face devastation in their health, environment, and economy.
In this latest edition of Mike Tidwell’s Earthbeat Radio, participants discuss why coal is in fact not a boon for communities, as coal companies would have us believe.
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Patrice Simms, a senior project attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council
Cale Jaffe, staff attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center
Matt Wasson, the conservation director, Appalachian Voices
Nick Miroff, staff writer, Washington Post (his story on perscription drug abuse among coal miners can be read here)
Kathy Selvage, citizen activist and the vice president, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards
Music:
Moving Mountains: Voices of Appalachia
Our theme music is Baladi by Tony Anka, Bellydance Superstars vol. 2.
peace,
JW