Stop the Giveaway to the Coal Industry
A new threat to strong coal ash safeguards, the Coal Ash Recycling and Oversight Act of 2012 (S. 3512), has been introduced in the Senate. This new bill sets up weak safeguards that only protect polluter profits and fail to ensure protection of public health.
The Coal Ash Recycling and Oversight Act leaves at-risk communities living with coal ash pollution like arsenic, selenium and lead, and it provides no assurances for protecting their health, water sources or air quality. The new bill leaves citizens nowhere to turn if their state cares more about catering to the coal industry than protecting their families.
Take action now Stop the Giveaway to the Coal Industry
Thanks to Sandra Diaz, Appalachian Voices Red, White and Water Coordinator, for this list of resources.
Resources:
Front Porch Blog: Half Baked Coal Ash Bill: A Dangerous Proposition For Our Air and Water http://appvoices.org/2012/08/03/half-baked-coal-ash/
Earthjustice Blog: Tr-Ash Talk: The High Price of Coal Ash Ponds
National Geographic: Largest U.S. Coal Ash Pond to Close, But Future Rules Still Undecided
Earthjustice, Waterkeeper Alliance: North Carolina Coal Ash Fact Sheet (PDF)
A high-hazard rating means that dam failure will probably cause a loss of human life in addition to economic loss, environmental damage and damage to infrastructure.
