20 Feb Coal, Carbon and Children at Risk – Kunda Wicce Presents Data From NAACP Report to Austin City Council

The subject of Austin's toxic coal plant at Fayette – now ranked as the 5th highest greenhouse gas emitter in Texas – and a major emitter of health related pollution such as airborne lead, NOx, SO2, mercury and carbon particulates – was once again a topic of conservation at Austin City Council.   http://bit.ly/1c1Zzcd

Wicce detailed the health effects caused by coal plants – especially among children – and even more especially among African American children. She offers a local – Austin based – voluntary carbon tax to help us wean ourselves off coal as quickly as possible.

The national health data is startling:

"Prolonged exposure to toxins from these energy production facilities are tied to birth defects, heart disease, asthma attacks, lung disease, learning difficulties, and even lower property values. Approximately 68% of African Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant, which produces the largest proportion of energy compared to any other energy production type. The health conditions associated with exposure to toxins coming from these plants disproportionately affect African Americans. An African American child is three times as likely to be admitted to the hospital and twice more likely to die from an asthma attack than a white American child."

You can find the whole report at:  http://www.naacp.org/blog/entry/naacp-just-energy-policies-report-released

This timely research offers state by state details with this overview:

"The ‘Just Energy Policies’ report lays out a vision, supported by practical data, for a transition from harmful energy production processes in our communities to an energy efficient and clean energy policy landscape that reduces pollution and creates new jobs.

The report assesses states on five different criteria: Renewable Portfolio Standards, Energy Efficiency Resource Standards, Net Metering Standards, Local Hire Provisions, and Minority Business Enterprise Provisions.  Additionally, the report lays out the potential for each state to become a leader in clean energy."