Is This What They Call ‘Clean Coal’?

Massive coal-ash spill in Tennessee threatens water supplies and public health 1

More than a billion gallons of coal ash have spilled from a coal-burning power plant in eastern Tennessee since Dec. 22, when a retention wall at the plant burst.  That’s billion with a “B,” which means the amount of gunk spilled is about 100 times larger than the mess from the Exxon Valdez disaster. Gray sludge has spread across 300 acres, wiped out three homes, oozed into a tributary of the Tennessee River, and made a lot of local residents worried about their health and water supplies.  Coal ash contains mercury and traces of heavy metals like arsenic and uranium.  In the wake of the spill, high levels of arsenic have been found in some rivers and wells near the spill site, though authorities insist that drinking water is still safe.  Enviros are seizing the opportunity to point out that “clean coal” is an oxymoron.

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  1. markk Posted 6:31 am
    30 Dec 2008

    Make your voices heard Fed up with ideas like "clean coal." Tired of policy makers not listening to your ideas on climate change.  Well you can help create town hall meetings on climate change and America's energy future all across the country.   Focus the Nation is currently enrolled in a competition of ideas at http://www.change.org.  Our idea is to hold town hall meetings on America's energy future and climate change in congressional districts across the country.  We at Focus the Nation are determined to build a bridge between the everyday voices of citizens, students, and activists and the powerful policy makers who will be deciding our energy future.  The winner of this competition will receive numerous resources including a large outreach and lobbying effort.  Please help our idea become a reality by going to: http://www.change.org/ideas/view/hold_nationwide_town_hal ...
    Click vote in the upper left hand corner and then spread the word!!
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    This would be a great opportunity to push clean, sustainable energy at the national level. So click the link below, and vote by clicking on the "Vote!" button in the upper left hand corner. Voting ends on Dec 31 at midnight Pacific time, so if you're interested, please make your voice heard ASAP.

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