LETTER: Clean energy would make healthy state

To the editor:

Wisconsin’s prolonged heat wave and drought are hurting our communities by contributing to repeated air quality violations for ozone and particle pollution. Wisconsin currently draws approximately 63 percent of its power from coal-burning plants and when temperatures rise, many utilities are forced to burn even more coal to help meet the increased electricity demand.

The result is unhealthy levels of toxic mercury, arsenic, lead and acid gases being pumped into our air. Air pollution associated with coal represents a significant and well-documented risk for those that suffer from asthma and other lung diseases.

By increasing our usage of clean sources of power, like wind and solar energy, we can help meet our energy needs, while keeping Wisconsin residents safe.

Unfortunately, the harmful health effects of coal plant pollution are far ranging and well documented, reaching well-beyond that of any other form of energy and affecting more people. Consumption of mercury can cause severe brain and nerve damage, as well as birth defects if ingested during pregnancy. Ozone inflames the lungs, making people, especially children and seniors, more susceptible to asthma and respiratory illness. Particle pollution causes heart disease as well as lung disease.

Coal-fired plants are one of the biggest sources of pollution in Wisconsin and until we act on the need for increased clean energy, the health and overall well-being of Wisconsinites will be put at risk.

The record temperatures and drought should be a wake-up call to policymakers who choose to ignore the benefits that wind and solar power can have on communities across Wisconsin.

Clean energy sources like wind and solar power are renewable, cost-effective, and much safer for the air quality in our communities. It is time that we embrace these cleaner, renewable energy technologies and free our unhealthy addiction to coal.

Dona Wininsky,

American Lung Association

in Wisconsin

Tags: opinion, letters