12B THE UNIVERSITY DAILY HARMAN MONDAY OCTOBER 22, 2007
CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS FROM KANSAS POWER PLANTS ARE ALREADY 77% ABOVE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE PER PERSON. THE EXISTING COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT AT HOLCOMB RANKS #11 IN THE NATION FOR MERCURY EMISSIONS. IMAGINE WHAT A PLANT FIVE TIMES ITS CURRENT SIZE WOULD DO TO PUBLIC HEALTH.
HOLDING THE LINE ON COAL PLANTS
KANSAS STANDS UP AGAINST COAL POLLUTION
SPARE THE AIR, PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH
Steve Simpson, MD
Associate Professor of Pulmonology University of Kansas Medical Center
The additional 1400-megawatt, coal-fired units proposed for Holcomb would emit ten million more tons of carbon dioxide annually and take a serious additional toll on public health. The irony is, Kansans don't need that much extra electricity. Almost all （85%）of the power generated would be sold out of state. We'd just keep 100% of the pollution.
the perception has been that "coal is cheaper" for generating electricity. But Kansas is realizing that fuel cost is a fraction of the expense they will bear if this $3.5 billion expansion were built. Coal plant construction overruns and costly future carbon taxes have led to the rejection or withdrawal of 22 proposed coal power plants in 16 states since last year. Kansas should be the 17th state.
Of course, "cheaper" also doesn't cover the harm coal emissions do to public health and consequent medical costs - and that harm begins before
birth, given the effect of pollution on pregnant women as well as children,the elderly and many adults.
Coal pollutants that affect health and life expectancy (and require costly medical care) include carbon dioxide, mercury and hazardous fine particles.
Diseases: Children exposed to coal plant emissions are at higher risk for a host of respiratory problems, including allergies, asthma and other respiratory diseases - even affecting lung development. Emissions also cause heart disease, stroke, cancer, early deaths and lifetimes of compromised health for thousands of Kansans. This is no bargain.
Our state's medical community is joining forces with other Kansans who are committed to rejection of the proposed Holcomb power plant. We can't afford the high price of pumping more coal pollution into Kansas skies. The time to stand up is now.
Learn more and share your concerns at knowyourpower.net
A GROWING COALITION OF CONCERNED DOCTORS, HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS, EDUCATORS, CITIZENS, BUSINESSES AND STUDENTS.
.
---
i