Coal promises fewer jobs than clean energy

[irishbobcat]

Coal promises fewer jobs than clean energy
   Jan 12, 2009   Detroit News, Opinion   
   Editorial Rebuttal Coal promises fewer jobs than clean energy In Jan. 8 editorial, The Detroit News argues that outdated, 1950s-style coal-burning plants should be not only included, but placed at the forefront of Michigan's energy future ("Don't bar coal from state's energy future"). This assertion is not only recklessly irresponsible, but it's also misleading. Jobs are a concern for everyone, but coal isn't going to get us there. A study by the Political Economy Research Institute found that Michigan could stand to gain 60,000 new jobs if the state made a commitment to investing in clean energy technology -- that's far more jobs than would ever be created by building more dirty coal plants. Coal costs, too, have been skyrocketing during the past few years, and major banks like Chase, Citigroup and JP Morgan have publicly expressed their concerns and doubts over coal's future. Even energy corporations are starting to pick up on the bigger picture. Most recently, power giant Dynegy pulled out of a contract with LS Power to build a coal-fired plant in Midland, citing the many inherent risks of continuing to invest in coal. All this goes without mentioning the drastic toll coal would take on public health and our environment. Pollutants emitted by coal plants account for an estimated 24,000 premature deaths, 38,000 nonfatal heart attacks and 603,000 asthma attacks per year. We can do better than coal. Gov. Jennifer Granholm can secure our energy future and develop 21st-century jobs by issuing an executive order that would stop the permitting of more coal plants until regulations are put in place against dangerous carbon dioxide. This would allow clean energy to take root in Michigan. We have come to a significant crossroads, and the future of our state's energy economy depends on making the right choice. Cyndi Roper Michigan Director Clean Water Action Lansing   


The same can be said for Ohio!

Dennis Spisak

Mahoning Valley Greens
Ohio Green Party

www.ohiogreens.org

www.votespisak.org/thinkgreen/