Dispelling the clean coal myth

Detailing the coal epidemic sweeping the state of Georgia and how the local Beyond Coal Campaign plans to deflate its influence. 

By Amanda Pack, Local Correspondent Mon, Jan 10 2011 at 12:13 AM EST

It is by no stretch of the imagination that the connotations assigned to coal power are overwhelmingly controversial. As an energy source that blatantly pollutes in record amounts, yet provides nearly half of the nation's electricity, coal has garnered vast attention on both sides of the spectrum. Environmental activists deplore the costly and irreversible effects, while supporters of the source praise its seemingly "clean" attributes, boasting that properly managing the fossil fuel will ultimately assist in drastically reducing our dependence on foreign oil. The debate has spawned staunch supporters on either side; however, the seemingly oxymoronic nature of "clean coal" has encouraged the launch of a nationwide campaign to effectively dispel the "clean coal myth."

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Contrary to the inarguable effects of this particular structure, there are plans to construct three new plants of this nature: Longleaf, Washington and Ben Hill. The silver lining in the cloud of adversity concerns a 2009 video posted on the Sierra Club's website regarding Plant Washington. Filmed near Sandersville, Ga., the video sheds light on the ghastly evidence underlying coal power and how Plant Washington will quite literally drain resources from the community and drastically affect the livelihood of the citizens surrounding the structure. Since the video's creation, four of the ten initial investors have resigned support for the plant, leaving Cobb, Pataula, Snapping Shoals, Washington, Upson and Central Georgia EMC as continued investors.

Read more at: http://www.mnn.com/local-reports/georgia/local-blog/dispelling-the-clean-coal-myth

Energy Efficiency in P4G EMCs creates 1,241 jobs per year

 Energy Efficiency a Low Cost Option with High Economic Benefits

43 Georgia counties could see $3.1 billion economic boost, thousands of new jobs

Atlanta, Ga. — If the six electric membership corporations (EMCs) participating in developing a coal-fired power plant in Washington County turned their efforts to energy efficiency (EE) instead, the result would be a lower cost to consumers and more jobs for Georgians. That is the conclusion of an extensive an independent study released today by the Chattanooga, Tennessee based Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies. 

The study, Energy Efficiency as an Alternative Strategy for the Power4Georgians’ EMCs shows that investing in residential, commercial and industrial energy efficiency could pump more than $3 billion into the local economies of the 43 Georgia counties served in whole or in part by the six Power4Georgians EMCs over a fourteen year period.  The result would be more than 17,000 years of employment – with an average of 1,241 jobs per year – in construction, retail and other service jobs. Unlike jobs that would result from construction of a coal fired power plant in Washington County, energy efficiency employment would be ongoing and economic benefits would be spread across a wider area and cost less.

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Barton: New power plant? Go fish

Mercury is a toxin. Prenatal and infant exposure can cause mental retardation, deafness and blindness. Adults who are exposed to too much mercury can suffer reproductive problems, memory loss and tremors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that a leading source of mercury pollution in this country is coal-burning power plants. It is emitted through smokestacks. It comes back to the surface in rain.

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Officials in debate on power plant

CONYERS - The public gathered Tuesday to voice its opinion on the estimated $2 billion proposed power plant that may eventually provide power to Snapping Shoals EMC customers in Newton and Rockdale counties

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Proposed state coal plant finding resistance

Students and residents in the state have until Oct. 27 to voice their opinions concerning the construction of a $2 billion coal-fired power plant proposed for Washington County. Proponents of the plant say it will reduce power prices and create jobs in the state, but adversaries worry about the potential costs to the environment and local community.  <<more>>