Technology can help the environment

In this mention

An op-ed by SACE Regional Air Director Ulla-Britt Reeves and Clean Air Program Assistant Liz Albertson argues that technology and stronger clean air laws are essential to address pollution from TVA's coal-fired power plants, which generate over 60 percent of the region's electricity. The letter highlights the environmental and health impacts of coal-generated power, including ozone pollution in the Great Smoky Mountains and respiratory health threats to vulnerable populations.

We need technology to generate necessary services more cleanly and efficiently and to clean up out-dated, dirty power plants.
Ulla Reeves

Original clipping

PDF didn't open? Open it in a new tab →

Technology can help the environment

Editor, the News-Sentinel:
Contrary to a letter writer's belief, as his letter on Sept. 1 stated, that environmental whackos stand in the way of technology, many environmentalists actually believe technology means more efficient lighting for homes, better fuel systems for cars and more cleanly produced energy.

Americans no longer burn coal in their homes because few people produce their own electricity.

Most people are hooked into the Tennessee Valley Authority's system, where dirty, old coal-fired power plants generate over 60 percent of the power.

Calculated out, the average person now burns over 1,000 pounds of coal monthly, presumably more than earlier times.

As the amount of power demand and pollution rose, TVA responded by increasing smokestack height under the theory that dilution is the solution to pollution. Unfortunately, pollution is merely blown elsewhere like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where visibility decreased over 80 percent in the last few decades, largely from power plant-caused haze pollution.

Coal-fired power plants contribute to ozone-forming pollution.

Thirty-six species of plants show visible injury from low ozone levels that ultimately result in susceptibility to threats like invasive species and drought.

Since 1998, the Smokies exceeded unhealthy ozone levels over 171 times throughout summer and fall months.

Air pollutants are extremely unhealthy to breathe, as they cause life-threatening respiratory problems for sensitive groups such as the elderly and children.

These pollutants exacerbate and cause asthma, worsen lung and heart disease and even shorten lives.

Over 40 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide pollution (the leading cause of global warming) is attributed to power plants, and levels are 40 percent higher than before the industrial revolution.